Exploring the Theories of Cultural Evolution by Edward Tylor
When it comes to the study of culture and its development over time, the name of Edward Tylor is often mentioned. Tylor was an anthropologist who is credited with laying down the foundations of cultural evolution. He believed that culture is a progressive development that evolves in stages, and each culture has its unique contribution to the entire human civilization.
Background and Context
In the late 19th century, Tylor introduced the concept of cultural evolution and the idea that all cultures have evolved from simpler forms to more complex ones, similar to biological evolution. Tylor’s theory gained popularity and was widely accepted as an essential concept to the development of anthropology.
But, Tylor’s theory as cultural evolution was not without its critics. Some believed that the concept was too simplistic and generalized and did not take into account the many nuances and variations of cultures.
The Three Stages of Cultural Evolution
Tylor theorized that cultural evolution occurs in three stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. According to Tylor, the savagery stage is the earliest stage of human culture, characterized by the use of simple tools and the absence of written language. The second stage, barbarism, saw the development of metallurgy, the use of domesticated animals, and the beginning of written language. Finally, civilization represents the highest level of cultural evolution, characterized by advanced technology, urbanization, and complex states.
The Impact of Tylor’s Theories
Tylor’s theories had a significant impact on the field of anthropology, establishing the groundwork for the study of comparative culture. His ideas sparked debates and discussions on cultural change and evolution, and many furthered Tylor’s concept of cultural evolution, including Lewis Henry Morgan, Franz Boas, and Bronislaw Malinowski.
Conclusion
Edward Tylor’s theories of cultural evolution remain relevant today and have shaped the study of culture and anthropology. Although his theories have faced some criticism from modern scholars, they remain a crucial aspect and starting point for understanding the development and perpetuation of human culture. The theories of cultural evolution by Edward Tylor serve as a rich source of inspiration for the future research of cultural anthropology.
