Human Differences

Anthropology
Anthropology > Cultural
Anthropology > Modern

Human Differences

Compares three "grand theories", namely, evolutionary theory, racial theory, and Marxist theory, and their sociocultural implications.

1,446 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the evolutionary theories of Darwin, Tyler and Leslie White, the "historical materialism" of Marx, and the racialist science of the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. The essay explores the three major theories and answers the question of whether one theory can be said to explain the broad, complex topic of "human difference" better than another.

From the Paper:

"Whereas Darwin classified special progression over time, Tylor applied progressive thinking to cultures in such a way that classified some -- namely, Western cultures -- as more civilized than others. This type of hierarchical arrangement applied to human beings was a new interpretation of evolutionary theory, and one that influenced the Social Darwinist movement within anthropology and in Western culture, particularly in the United States. Tylor, in a sense, made a "leap" when he applied Darwinian ideas about special evolution to culture."