Historical Particularism - Neomaterialism : evolutionary, functionalist, ecological and marxist

6 important questions on Historical Particularism - Neomaterialism : evolutionary, functionalist, ecological and marxist

From what three fundamental perspectives did Boas believed to explain culture?

environmental conditions,psychological factors andhistorical connections (which is most important).

What is the best way to explain cultural phenomena?

The best way to explain cultural phenomena were to be required by studying the historical development of the societies in which they were found. He focused on the specific histories of individual societies which is called historical particularism (although he never used this label).

Bastian and ratzel quote

• Adolf Bastian (1826-1905): idea (or soul, Geist) of certain things spread, but different
people give it a local shape
• Friedrich Ratzel (1844-1904): the similarity of individual objects (e.g. decoration) is
the result of diffusion, but only if they are not functional; functional similarity was the
result of adaptation to environment or need
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What are the 4 fields perspectives according to Boas?

prehistory,linguistics,physical anthropology andobservation of culture.

Why  can societies show similarities according to Boas?


Societies might show similarities since they find solutions to problems and there is a best solution that might be used by several societies.

What is the best way to study according to Boas?


Intensive study of specific cultures through long periods of fieldwork (learning the language).  

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