Group cultural dominance depends on conversions and fertility, not just longevity

Evidence

Group survival is a key factor, but not the only measure of cultural success. After all, a group may figure out the means to survive for a long time, but if the group’s demographic prospects are dim, then it will have a smaller cultural market share than larger, but equally stable groups. All else being equal, smaller groups are at a disadvantage when competing with larger groups. This brings us to two key demographic factors that give prosocial religious groups an edge: conversions (whether free or coercive) and fertility rates. — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 488

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Levirate polyandry preserved clans against male infertility; Generational effects alter society even when individuals stay the same — Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone The Collapse and Revival…, 858