Anthropology short notes · Paper 1

Cultural Evolution

(b) Cultural Evolution—Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures:

Part of Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology.

Short notes

Cultural Evolution

Cultural Evolution

Definition

Scientific perspective | Humanistic perspective

Example / case study

  • Oxygen discovered independently by two scientists
  • Indicates force larger than individual → culture

Thinkers

  • • E.B. Tylor & L.H. Morgan – cultural evolution.: G.P. Murdock – systematic cross-cultural comparison.
  • • Margaret Mead – Samoa & New Guinea (comparative temperament)
  • James G. Frazer – The Golden Bough (comparative mythology).
  • E.B. Tylor — culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom; unilinear evolution and survivals.

Broad Outlines Of Prehistoric Cultures

Definition

• Studies different cultures across time and space

Example / case study

  • Oxygen discovered independently by two scientists
  • Indicates force larger than individual → culture

Thinkers

  • • E.B. Tylor & L.H. Morgan – cultural evolution.: G.P. Murdock – systematic cross-cultural comparison.
  • James G. Frazer – The Golden Bough (comparative mythology).
  • E.B. Tylor — culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom; unilinear evolution and survivals.