Julian Steward

Julian Steward was an influential American anthropologist known for his work on cultural ecology, which examines the relationship between a society and its environment. He proposed that the way people adapt to their surroundings shapes their cultural practices and social structures. Steward's most notable contribution is the concept of "multilinear evolution," suggesting that different cultures evolve along various paths rather than a single, linear progression. His research emphasized the importance of understanding cultures in their specific environmental contexts, influencing fields like anthropology, sociology, and environmental studies. His ideas have shaped contemporary discussions on culture and adaptation.