See more. Quick Reference [Th] A late 19th‐century evolutionary theory that envisaged all human societies as evolving along a common track from simple hunting and gathering communities to literate civilizations.
Morgan, E.B.
Unilinear evolution (also called unilineal evolution) is a theory of cultural progression first espoused by early anthropologists and social theorists like L.H. Get kids back-to-school ready with Expedition: Learn. Unilineal evolution, also referred to as classical social evolution, is a 19th-century social theory about the evolution of societies and cultures. Other articles where Unilineal cultural evolution is discussed: matriarchy: The theory known as unilineal cultural evolution, now discredited, suggested that human social organization “evolved” through a series of stages: animalistic sexual promiscuity was followed by matriarchy, which was in turn followed by patriarchy. It was composed of many competing theories by various anthropologists and sociologists, who believed that Western culture is the contemporary pinnacle of social evolution. Tylor and that little known guy, Karl Marx. Different social status is aligned in a single line that moves from most primitive to most civilized. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. This theory is now generally considered obsolete in academic circles.
The subject was once viewed as a unilinear phenomenon that describes the evolution of human social behavior. It is now understood as a multilinear phenomenon that describes the evolution of individual cultures or societies. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Unilinear definition, developing or evolving in a steady, consistent, and undeviating way. Maybe you’ve heard of him? The American anthropologist Lewis Henry Morgan, the Swiss anthropologist J.J. Bachofen, and the German philosopher…. The theory known as unilineal cultural evolution, now discredited, suggested that human social organization “evolved” through a series of stages: animalistic sexual promiscuity was followed by matriarchy, which was in turn followed by patriarchy. unilinear cultural evolution. Cultural evolution, the development of cultures from simpler to more complex forms.