Exploring the Primary Causes of Widespread Cultural Similarities
For over a century, the study of anthropology has sought to understand the primary causes of cultural similarities found among diverse and distant societies. One of the most discussed and often cited theories is cultural diffusion. This essay delves into the nature, limitations, and alternative explanations for these cultural parallels, drawing on examples from kinship terminologies and other social practices.
The Theory of Cultural Diffusion
Cultural diffusion is the mechanism by which one culture acquires a technological innovation or a social practice from another. A prime example is the widespread use of airplanes, which can trace its origins to several key inventions in the early 20th century. The diffusion of such innovations is relatively straightforward; however, it raises intriguing questions about why some cultures adopt certain innovations while others do not. For instance, why did the Norse settlers in lower Greenland not adopt more Eskimo technology, despite their close proximity and shared environment?
The Limitations of Cultural Diffusion
Diffusion alone cannot adequately explain the extensive and striking similarities found in various cultures, particularly when those cultures are geographically distant from each other. A notable example of this is the Omaha-type kinship terminology. This system of kinship terms for siblings, children, and their relatives is found not only among the Omaha Indians in North America but also in some South American groups, as well as among distant cultures such as the Dani of New Guinea, the Igbo of Nigeria, and the Kazakh Turks of Central Asia, and the Kalmyk Mongols of Europe.
Alternative Explanations: Material and Technological Cultures
The observed cultural similarities cannot be fully attributed to diffusion alone. Therefore, anthropologists have sought explanations rooted in the inherent characteristics of the material and technological cultures and their social organizations. The structure of these cultures often underpins the development and transmission of certain practices, making it challenging to trace direct lines of influence through diffusions.
Example of Kinship Terminology:
Take the case of Omaha-type kinship terminology. While the system is named after the Omaha Indians, it shares striking similarities with kinship systems in other distant cultures. This pattern suggests that similar environmental, social, and ecological pressures driven by material and technological cultures may have led to the development and spread of similar kinship systems.
Implications for Anthropology and Culture Studies
The exploration of these underlying factors provides deeper insights into the structures and constraints that shape cultural practices. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to studying cultural similarities and differences. By examining material and technological cultures, anthropologists can better understand the complexities of cultural adaptation and the processes of cultural change.
Conclusion
The primary causes of cultural similarities are multifaceted. While cultural diffusion can explain the transmission of specific innovations, it falls short in explaining the widespread adoption of complex cultural practices such as kinship systems. Anthropologists must consider the inherent characteristics of material and technological cultures and their social organizations to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving cultural similarities across diverse societies.
By exploring these factors, we can better understand the rich tapestry of human culture and the dynamic processes that shape it.