Question

Julian Steward developed an anthropological theory that addressed the causes of culture change by focusing on the technology used to exploit the environment. What is the term used to describe this combination of environmental and economic factors driving social change?

Answer 1

Julian Steward's theory of cultural ecology suggests environmental and economic factors are key in driving cultural change, focusing on how humans adapt to their environment to survive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory developed by Julian Steward that addresses the causes of culture change by focusing on technology and its use to exploit the environment is known as cultural ecology. Steward proposed that environmental and economic factors are pivotal in shaping human cultures and their changes over time. His theory posits that humans in different environmental zones develop core cultural features, crucial for survival, such as producing food, clothing, and shelter. Meanwhile, Marvin Harris' anthropological theory called cultural materialism also emphasizes technology, alongside economic factors, as fundamental to molding cultural aspects, including family life, religion, and politics.