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This course delves into the intricate relationship between culture and ecology, merging concepts from natural and social sciences to understand how human-environment interactions shape societies. Learn about major trends, definitions, and seminal works in cultural ecology, and explore different approaches and theoretical frameworks. Discover how cultural adaptation is key for achieving sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges.
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Cultural Ecology II Semester Social and Cultural Dimension of Conflict Department of Conflict, Peace & Development Studies RajibTimalsina
Ecology Culture Cultural Ecology Fuse both the ideas and the approaches of Natural and Social Sciences Culture & Ecology are extremely broad topics by themselves & the nature of their linkage is even broader
Conceptual Framework of today’s class Organization of Class Netting (1977) : “There is only one way to explain what cultural ecology is to show what it is doing.” • Background • Major Trends • Definitions • Approaches • References
Background • Julian Steward, Theory of Culture Change, 1955 • The first generation of anthropologists influenced by steward & published: • Netting, The Hill Farmers of Nigeria, 1968 • Roy Rappaport, Pigs for the Ancestors, 1968 • Bennets, Northern Plainsmen, 1969 • Ratzel’s Claim: reln between Progress and Region • Theories in National Securities
Major Trends-I • Marquette: Cultural ecology is largely an American specially in Anthropology: ……… diverse theories………. **Evolutionism** • Functionalism/linear school/ British school of Anthropology • Env. Determinism/multilinear/ American School of Anthropology Cultural Ecology is Counter balancing on the idea of cultural diffusion
Major Trends-II • Hardesty, 1977 & Bennet 1976 Cultural determinism: Only Culture determines culture Environmental determinism: Env. Determines Culture
Major Trends-III • Steward, 1977 “Cultural Area” to “Cultural Core” -Productive Strategy/ subsistence pattern -way of production within culture -more associated with physical world “…was seen as having evolved largely in response to the relevant parts of the particular or “effective env.” exploited (soil, climate etc..)…”
Major Trends-IV • Hardesty, 1977 “Linear” Vs. “Multilinear” Evolution -Multilinear evolution: diverse processes and causes of evolution of culture “…related to idea of cultural core…” (bcz. of multi-existence of different core within a particular culture…”
Definitions • Steward (1955): “Focus on specific cultures and frequently on specific facets of culture (eg. Production system/cultural core) in specific environments.” • McCay (1975): “where human-environment interactions are more or less balanced” • Marquettee : recent studies pay attention to communities and setting where env. Degradation & ‘-’veenv. Outcomes occur, mostly in dev. countries
Def…… Considers how much of culture is adaption to env. Vs. other factors & origin of cultural features related with env. Cultural Ecology = effect of env. Upon culture {human as cultural bearer} • Cohen: “Adaptation as organizing principle. Humans after there relationships to a habitat in order to make that habitat more right place to live.”
Approaches Rappaport: Culture imposes on nature & Nature imposes on culture//… leads to adaptation Netting: • Hunter and Gatherer Society • Cultivators • Urban Setting
References Netting, R. M. (1977), Cultural Ecology, Illinois: Waveland Press. Hardesty, D. L. (1977). Ecological Anthropology. Toronto: John Wiley & Sons Marquette, Catherine . (1998). “Cultural Ecology”. Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~wanthro/eco.htm+/intro. Accessed on 2013 June 4. The End