Unilinear Evolution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does alienation refer to?

Work and work place are separated from one's social essence.

What is multilinear evolution?

Used to explain common characteristics of widely separated cultures developed under similar ecological circumstances.

What does unilinear evolution propose?

A theory held by anthropologists that attempts to place particular cultures into specific evolutionary stages.

Define Social Darwinism.

The belief that only the fittest survive in human political and economic struggle. Signup and view all the answers

What is racism?

An extreme form of prejudice that assumes superiority of one group over others. Signup and view all the answers

What is biological determinism?

Explanations that attribute complex social phenomena to physical characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What does eugenics study?

Factors that influence the hereditary qualities of the human race and ways to improve those qualities. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Lewis Henry Morgan?

United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca and postulated the theory of human development in 3 stages: savagery, barbarism, civilization. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Karl Marx?

A 19th century philosopher known as the father of communism, who believed in a classless society. Signup and view all the answers

What contributions did Edward Burnett Tylor make?

Father of ethnology who wrote 'Primitive Culture' proposing that cultures obey natural laws and can be studied scientifically. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Franz Boas?

The father of modern American anthropology who argued for cultural relativism. Signup and view all the answers

What is Julian Steward known for?

The father of cultural ecology and multilinear evolution. Signup and view all the answers

What did Leslie White contribute to anthropology?

Authored 'The Symbol: The Origin and Basis of Human Behavior' and proposed a revised model of cultural evolution. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Marvin Harris?

A neomaterialist who developed the approach of cultural materialism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts and Terms

Alienation: Separation of work and workplace from one’s social essence.
Multilinear Evolution: Describes how different cultures develop similar characteristics under similar ecological conditions, despite being geographically separated.
Unilinear Evolution: A theory by anthropologists like Tylor and Morgan suggesting cultures progress through distinct evolutionary stages.
Social Darwinism: Ideology that posits only the fittest individuals thrive in political and economic struggles, often justifying inequality.
Racism: Extreme prejudice that claims superiority of one ethnic group over others, fostering discrimination.
Biological Determinism: Explains social phenomena as outcomes of physical characteristics, simplifying complex social dynamics.
Eugenics: The study aimed at improving human hereditary qualities through selective reproduction and intervention.

Important Anthropologists

Lewis Henry Morgan: Early anthropologist who identified three stages of human development: savagery, barbarism, and civilization, with technological revolutions as key transitions.
Karl Marx: Influential 19th-century thinker who analyzed history, ultimately predicting that communism would supplant capitalism, advocating for a classless society.
Edward Burnett Tylor: Known as the father of ethnology; argued that cultures, like natural phenomena, can be systematically studied.
Franz Boas: Recognized as the father of modern American anthropology; championed cultural relativism, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultures within their own context.
Julian Steward: Known as the father of cultural ecology; advanced the concept of multilinear evolution.
Leslie White: Author of "The Symbol: The Origin and Basis of Human Behavior"; proposed a revised model of cultural evolution.
Marvin Harris: Developed Cultural Materialism, heavily influenced by Marx; focuses on practical issues influencing culture and society.

Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts related to unilinear evolution and its related theories with these flashcards. Explore terms such as alienation, multilinear evolution, and unilinear evolution explained by anthropologists. Perfect for students of anthropology and social sciences.