Joseph Tainter

Joseph Tainter is an anthropologist and researcher known for his work on the decline of complex societies. He proposed that societies become more complex over time to solve problems, but this complexity requires increasing resources and effort. When the costs outweigh the benefits—due to diminishing returns—societies may face collapse or decline. His theory helps explain why civilizations sometimes weaken or fall, emphasizing that overcomplexity can be unsustainable and can lead to reduction or restructuring rather than continuous growth.