Final answer:
Eric Wolf rejected the concept of understanding cultures in isolation and instead emphasized the importance of considering political economy and power relations to grasp the complexities of societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eric Wolf rejected the idea that cultures can be understood in isolation without considering the broader context of political economy and power relations. Wolf's work in anthropology emphasized the importance of looking at societies within the context of their interactive historical and economic systems. This view contrasts with earlier anthropological perspectives that often examined societies as if they were isolated, discrete units without significant interaction with others. Wolf believed that to understand the complexities of human societies, it is necessary to consider the effects of colonialism, capitalism, and the global economy, rather than viewing societies as static or unchanging entities.