Theory of Culture Change: The Methodology of Multilinear Evolution

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“In a collection of papers spanning some 20 years of work, Steward argues persuasively that cultural change consists of complex, continuing processes, rather than isolable acts or events of unitary character (‘diffusion’ versus ‘independent invention’).... With the increasing preponderance of studies of cultural change in archaeology as well as anthropology this volume assumes as much importance for the prehistorian as for the student of contemporary societies.” — American Antiquity. “This is a book which students of culture will not want to miss. ... Particularly valuable are the studies of ecology in relation to culture, and the analyses of patrilineal bands in various parts of the world.” — The Quarterly Review of Biology. “...has the great merit of bringing together scattered but important pieces and of helping us to trace the development of Dr. Steward’s thinking. .. . because the author is so experienced, informed and gifted an anthropologist and thinker, the volume as it stands is a most interesting, evocative, and challenging one.” — American Sociological Review. The late JULIAN H. STEWARD was professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana. Theory of Culture Change: The Methodology of Multilinear Evolution contents I. introduction II. concepts and methods 1. Multilinear Evolution: Evolution and Process 2. The Concept and Method of Cultural Ecology 3. Levels of Sociocultural Integration : An Operational Concept 4. National Sociocultural Systems 5. Culture Area and Cultural Type in Aboriginal America: Methodological Considerations III. substantive applications 6. The Great Basin Shoshonean Indians: An Example of a Family Level of Sociocultural Integration 7. The Patrilineal Band 8. The Composite Hunting Band 9. Lineage To Clan: Ecological Aspects of Southwestern Society 10. Variation in Ecological Adaptation: The Carrier Indians 11. Development of Complex Societies: Cultural Causality and Law: A Trial Formulation of the Development of Early Civilizations 12. Analysis of Complex Contemporary Societies: Culture Patterns of Puerto Rico bibliography index