Theories Flashcards
Evolutionary Paradigm
“Over time all species would be moving towards perfection”
- Traditional model of unilinear cultural evolution
- Progress was a march towards a 19th century, Western European view of ‘perfection’
Why did we Domesticate Plants?
2 General ideas
- Unilineal Paradigm
2. Materialist Paradigm
- Unilineal Paradigm
- Childe’s Oasis Theory
(Definition and what it fails to explain)
“After the last ice age, in warmer & drier areas, people and animals flocked to oases for water and food”
But… Did not really explain why crop agriculture arose
- Unilineal Paradigm
- Braidwood’s Hilly Flanks Theory (Definition)
“Foragers gained knowledge needed to grow rather than just gather “
- Unilineal Paradigm
- Braidwood’s Hilly Flanks Theory (Problems with it)
• Switch to agriculture very slow in most places
• Many foragers knew about horticulture and had the necessary plants but chose not to pursue it
Why?
- Didn’t need it – no need to bother
Binford’s density-equilibrium model
- Definition
“Agriculture happens when population size outstrips an environment’s carrying capacity”
Optimal Foraging Theory
- Definition
“People select foods that maximize the overall return rate”
Why did we Domesticate plants?
“A Selectionist Perspective”
Human-plant coevolution
- Some plants became dependent upon humans for survival
- As the plant produces more, humans depend more on it
Eventually the return rate of planted plants exceeds that of wild plants
Did we have a goal in mind when we domesticated plants?
“Niche construction theory”
Humans alter their environment through intentional efforts to achieve a goal – keen observers of our natural world
- Increase food productivity
Did we have a goal in mind when we domesticated plants?
“Prestige and Power”
Competitive feasts; ostentatious displays of wealth; exotic trade items including some foods
- Shows class and power
- Social reasons???
Why did The Archaic Site arise?
“Irrigation Hypothesis”
- Large irrigation systems require much organization amongst farmers
- Coordinated labour, massive construction, and political control led to increased wealth and military strength and eventually a ruling bureaucracy
Why did The Archaic Site arise?
“Warfare and Circumscription Hypothesis”
- Warfare is only mechanism powerful enough to impose bureaucratic authority on a large scale
- With population growth there is increased warfare
- May need army to do so which is run by the state
Why did The Archaic Site arise?
Role of Ideology
- Cultural, religious, or cosmological ideas that rationalize existence
- Develops as a means to validate new social organization
- Can mask the fact that one group is exploiting another
