Final answer:
Leslie White's approach to judging a culture's relative development centers on the efficiency of technology used to meet needs, although this viewpoint is influenced by ethnocentric biases and may not account for non-technological cultural achievements, such as environmental sustainability.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Leslie White, the key factor in judging the relative development of a particular culture is the relative efficiency of the technology used to meet people's needs. White suggested that as a society advances, so does its use of technology, impacting how societies are classified in terms of industrialization - from preindustrial to industrial to post-industrial. This technological focus, however, reveals an ethnocentric bias, often overlooking other forms of cultural complexity and accomplishments, such as environmental knowledge and sustainability practices, which are highly valued in other societies.
It's important to note that the generation of material wealth has commonly been a measure of success within Euro-American values, leading to a global distinction between richer and poorer countries. White's framework may neglect the value systems of other cultures that prioritize environmental sustainability over technological advancements, raising questions about the implications of modernization and the unintended cultural influences that come with technology exchange.
Ultimately, judging a culture's development on technology alone does not necessarily capture its full complexity. The importance given to economic, educational, and public policy institutions in adapting and utilizing technology is also critical for a society's development and can influence whether technological advancements are actually beneficial or impose cultural and ideological frameworks that may not align with local values and practices.