Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881)
agrees with Tyler- differences come from different stages of evolution, uni-linear cultural evolution
Lewis Henry Morgan was an American anthropologist and lawyer who is considered one of the founders of modern anthropology. He is best known for his work on Native American societies, where he developed theories about the evolution of human society.
Morgan’s most famous book is “Ancient Society” (1877), which presents his theory of the evolution of human society. According to Morgan, human societies progress through three stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. In the savagery stage, societies are hunter-gatherer communities that rely on nature for survival. In barbarism, societies develop agriculture and animal domestication, which allows them to settle in one place and build permanent homes. In civilization, societies develop complex social and political systems, as well as technological advancements.
Morgan also made significant contributions to the study of kinship systems. He coined the terms “matrilineal” and “patrilineal” to describe the ways in which societies trace descent and inheritance. His work on kinship helped shape the discipline of anthropology and continues to inform research in this area today.
Overall, Lewis Henry Morgan’s contributions to anthropology have had a lasting impact on the discipline. His theories about the evolution of human society and kinship systems continue to be debated and studied by anthropologists worldwide.
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