Meme Theory
Meme Theory, proposed by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene," suggests that ideas, behaviors, and cultural phenomena spread and evolve similarly to genes. These units of cultural information, called memes, can be anything from phrases and fashion trends to rituals and beliefs. Memes replicate by being shared and imitated, influencing how they change over time.
The theory emphasizes that memes compete for attention and survival in a cultural environment. Just as biological evolution relies on variation and selection, Meme Theory posits that successful memes are those that resonate with people, leading to their widespread adoption and adaptation across societies.