ANTH 303 Anthropological Theory
Fall 2018
Oct. 10: 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), but too little data to do much
- 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 – nuclear family as basic
- connection between environment and level of technology is primary
- this leads to a specific social/political organization
- culture core: technology, politics, subsistence (in this reading there is a slight variation in the detailing of four institutions that form the basis of society: subsistence activities, control of energy and materials, regulation and organization of populations, communications)
- “culture” is variable alongside this (i.e. secondary characteristics such as etiquette, etc.)
- 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 the employer-employee (or prospective employee) relationship relate to this?
Is the content of the video part of the culture core or a cultural feature that is more independent of the culture core?
How is the video a part of a communications system, and how is this communications system linked to the culture core?
Is  housecleaning/partying/video-making an innovation, diffused, etc.?