Scott proposes a four-phase cyclic theory of subculture evolution, explaining their rise and fall without requiring sociopathic takeovers.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander proposes a cyclic theory of subcultures, inspired by Peter Turchin's theories of civilizational cycles. He outlines four phases: Precycle, Growth, Involution, and Postcycle. The theory explains how subcultures evolve from initial enthusiasm to fragmentation and eventual stabilization, without requiring the influx of sociopaths that David Chapman's model suggests. Scott argues that the decline in *asabiyyah* (social cohesion) and increased competition for status within the subculture can explain the observed patterns of subculture evolution.
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