ANTH 303 Anthropological Theory
Fall 2017
Sept. 28: READ: Steward, Julian H. and Demitri B. Shimkin (1961) “Some Mechanisms of Sociocultural Evolution.” Daedalus,  90(3):477-497.

The following questions will help guide our discussion as we try to make sense of this, and other, theories. In addition, we will apply the theory to the video shown in the first day of class:

How can this theory be seen as a product of the historical period in which it was created?

What questions does this theory ask?

What information does this theory see as important?

What are other relevant assumptions made by the theory?

How does the theory analyse this information to answer the questions it sees as important?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?

Some key concepts from Steward and Shimkin:
- describes basis and limitations of 19th century unilineal evolution
- outlines the value in the empiricist approach of Boas, showing cultural diversity and complexity
- multilinear evolution
- production, social organization of population, physical environment are important
- try to outline a theory of change (evolutionary change)
- emphasize cultural diversity, multiple sources of change
- they emphatically reject notion that there are biological bases for cultural differences
- see culture as patterned and integrated
- evolution from single family to multiple family to state
- connection between environment and level of technology is primary
- this leads to a specific social/political organization
- culture core: technology, politics, subsistence
- “culture” is variable alongside this
- note reference to psychic unity of humankind near the beginning of the article; Boas also accepted this.

Analysing video:
What is the production system and socio-political organization of this society and how does it constitute an adaptation to the environment?
How does housecleaning/partying/video-making relate to this?
Is the  housecleaning/partying/video-making part of the culture core or a cultural feature that is more independent of the culture core?
Is  housecleaning/partying/video-making an innovation, diffused, etc.?

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