Marvin Harris
Anglophone anthropologist associated with technological determinism and cultural materialism.
Marvin Harris is an anthropologist known for his cultural materialism framework. The source mentions him as an example of an anglophone anthropologist who voiced the technological determinist view that the adoption of a given technological process inevitably produces a given social and cultural outcome. This is the only information the source provides about him.
- field
- Anthropology
- known_for
- Cultural materialism
Lore & Background
The source identifies Marvin Harris as an anglophone anthropologist who exemplified the technological determinist view. According to the source, Harris and his "cultural materialism" framework held that the adoption of a given technological process inevitably produces a given social and cultural outcome. This places him in contrast to the broader Anthropology of Technology (AoT) approach, which argues that social and cultural factors shape technology's development and impact. The source does not provide any other biographical details, dates, or specific works by Harris.
Reader's Guide
Marvin Harris's significance in the source is as a representative of a viewpoint that the Anthropology of Technology (AoT) movement pushed back against. The source states that Harris, through his "cultural materialism," voiced the technological determinist position that a given technological process inevitably produces a specific social and cultural outcome. This is presented as a counterpoint to the AoT emphasis on social and cultural factors shaping technology. The source does not elaborate on his methods, specific theories, or any other contributions beyond this single characterization.
Did You Know?
- The source identifies Marvin Harris as an anglophone anthropologist who voiced a technological determinist view.
- Harris's cultural materialism is presented in the source as arguing that adopting a given technological process inevitably produces a given social and cultural outcome.
- The source contrasts Harris's technological determinism with the Anthropology of Technology approach, which focuses on social and cultural factors shaping technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marvin Harris?
Marvin Harris is an Anglophone anthropologist best recognized for developing the cultural materialism framework. He appears in the canon as a key figure among archaeologists and anthropologists.
What is Marvin Harris known for?
He is primarily associated with cultural materialism, a theoretical approach that examines how material conditions shape cultural practices. His work also reflects a technological determinist perspective on how tools and processes drive social outcomes.
What is Marvin Harris's stance on technology and culture?
He argued that adopting a particular technological process inevitably leads to a specific social and cultural result. This technological determinist view positions material innovation as the primary driver of cultural change.
What field does Marvin Harris work in?
Marvin Harris is an anthropologist working within the Anglophone tradition of the discipline. His contributions fall under the broader umbrella of cultural and material analysis.
Why is Marvin Harris important in the canon?
He represents a key voice for the technological determinist position within anthropology. His cultural materialism framework remains a foundational reference point for understanding how material and technological factors shape societies.
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