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The Complete Works of Lewis Henry Morgan: A Comprehensive Overview

Chandler Ward

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Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881) was a pioneering American anthropologist and ethnologist whose work made significant contributions to the study of human societies. His research focused on understanding the evolution of human cultures and social institutions, and his theories have had a lasting impact on the development of anthropology as a discipline.

Morgan's Key Theories

Morgan's most influential theories centered around the concept of unilinear evolution, which proposed that all human societies progress through a series of predetermined stages of development. He identified three main stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization. Each stage was characterized by specific technological, economic, and social characteristics.

The Complete Works of Lewis Henry Morgan

by Lewis Henry Morgan,

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Morgan also developed theories on kinship and marriage. He believed that family structures and marriage practices evolved in a regular and predictable way, and he proposed a series of stages of marriage development. These theories have been influential in the study of kinship and family systems.

Morgan's Major Works

Morgan's most important works include:

League of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee, or Iroquois (1851) - This book detailed Morgan's observations and studies of the Iroquois Confederacy, a powerful Native American alliance. It provided valuable insights into the social and political organization of Native American societies.
Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity of the Human Family (1871) - This work presented Morgan's theories on kinship and marriage, based on his research among various Native American tribes. It proposed a universal system of kinship classification and traced the evolution of marriage practices.
Ancient Society (1877) - Morgan's magnum opus, this book expanded on his theories of unilinear evolution and the development of human societies. It traced the progression of human cultures from savagery to civilization, arguing that social institutions evolve in a regular and predictable way.

Morgan's Impact on Anthropology

Morgan's work had a profound impact on the development of anthropology. His theories on unilinear evolution, kinship, and marriage provided a framework for understanding human societies and their development. His research methods, particularly his use of participant observation and interviews, became standard practices in anthropological fieldwork.

Morgan's work also influenced the development of cultural relativism, the idea that cultures should be understood within their own context rather than judged by the standards of another culture. He argued that different societies may have different ways of organizing their social and political lives, and that it is important to respect these differences.

Lewis Henry Morgan was a pioneering anthropologist whose work laid the foundation for many of the key concepts and theories in the field. His theories on unilinear evolution, kinship, and marriage have shaped our understanding of human societies and their development. Morgan's work continues to be studied and debated by anthropologists today, and his influence on the discipline remains undeniable.

The Complete Works of Lewis Henry Morgan

by Lewis Henry Morgan,

4.8 out of 5