Question

Hat does the post-processual paradigm involve?

a. material factors, such as environment and technology
b. cultural evolutionary theory
c. a neutral approach
d. the history and social change that occurred throughout history

Answer 1

The post-processual paradigm focuses on human agency, symbolic structures, and unique paths of historical development, rather than economic and technological determinants like cultural materialism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The post-processual paradigm in archaeology and anthropology emphasizes the subjectivity of human actions and the symbolic aspects of social structures. Unlike cultural materialism, which focuses on economic and technological determinants of culture, post-processualism considers a wider range of factors including ideology, identity, and the individual's role in shaping history and social change.

This approach acknowledges that change occurs through complex interactions within the society, influenced not just by material factors but also by human agency, power dynamics, and cultural practices. Rather than seeking a universal law of cultural evolution, it posits that each society follows a unique path determined by its historical circumstances.