Question

Marvin Harris's theory of cultural materialism argues that material conditions, including technology, determine patterns of social organization, including religious principles. According to the textbook, this theory relies heavily on the earlier work of what great thinker?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

According to the textbook, this theory relies heavily on the earlier work of the great thinker Karl Marx.

Marvin Harris's theory of cultural materialism argues that material conditions, including technology, determine patterns of social organization, including religious principles.

Cultural Materialism studies the relationship between the economic aspects of production and the values, beliefs, in a society. Cultural Materialism is heavily influenced by the works of Karl Marx. Marvin Harris spread the concept of Cultural Materialism in his book "The Rise of Anthropological Theory" of 1968. He uses the Marxist theory of base and superstructure to elaborate a theory of cultural products and its influence on modern society.