Theory of Culture Change: The Methodology of Multilinear Evolution

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. This volume sets forth certain concepts and methods needed to develop a general methodology for determining regularities in the functional interrelationships of cultural patterns and in the processes of culture change which have occurred independently among societies in different parts of the world.

The first five chapters are primarily theoretical. Each elaborates a concept and method. The following seven chapters are slightly more substantive than theoretical in that they illustrate applications of the basic theory to selected cultures.

I - INTRO II - CONCEPTS & METHODS: Multilinear Evolution: Evolution and Process * The Concept and Method of Cultural Ecology * Levels of Sociocultural Integration: An Operational Concept * National Sociocultural Systems * Culture Area and Cultural Type in Aboriginal America: Methodological Considerations III - SUBSTANTIVE APPLICATIONS: The Great Basin Shoshonean Indians: An Example of a Family Level of Sociocultural Integration * The Patrilineal and * The Composite Hunting Band * Lineage to Clan: Ecological Aspects of Southwestern Society * Variation in Ecological Adaptation: The Carrier Indians * Development of Complex Societies: Cultural Causality and Law: A trial Formulation of the Development of Early Civilizations * Analysis of Complex Contemporary Societies: Culture Patterns of Puerto Rico