APY3705
Assignment 3 Semester 2 2024
OCTOBER NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number: 218913
Due Date: 25 October 2024
PART 1
1. How Cultural Factors Influence Human Adaptation to the Environment
Cultural factors significantly influence human adaptation to their environments, as culture
encompasses the values, knowledge, and practices that shape how individuals and societies
interact with their surroundings. Humans adapt to various ecological conditions through
culturally developed technologies, social norms, and customs. For example, in arid regions,
societies have developed irrigation systems and water conservation methods to manage
scarce water resources. In colder climates, cultures have devised insulated clothing and
architectural styles designed to retain heat, such as the use of thick-walled buildings and
communal living spaces to conserve warmth.
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PART 1
1. How Cultural Factors Influence Human Adaptation to the Environment
Cultural factors significantly influence human adaptation to their environments, as
culture encompasses the values, knowledge, and practices that shape how
individuals and societies interact with their surroundings. Humans adapt to various
ecological conditions through culturally developed technologies, social norms, and
customs. For example, in arid regions, societies have developed irrigation systems
and water conservation methods to manage scarce water resources. In colder
climates, cultures have devised insulated clothing and architectural styles designed
to retain heat, such as the use of thick-walled buildings and communal living spaces
to conserve warmth.
Moreover, cultural factors like religion and social norms influence agricultural
practices, dietary habits, and community organization, all of which play a role in how
societies adapt to their environments. Changes in one social system often impact
other aspects of society. For instance, the industrial revolution led to changes in
economic systems, causing migration from rural areas to cities, which in turn altered
family structures and social hierarchies. The same can be seen with the rapid
advancements in communication technology, where access to the internet has
transformed educational systems, social interactions, and even political landscapes,
illustrating the interconnected nature of cultural and environmental adaptation.
2. Contrasting Perspectives on Cultural Evolution: Leslie White and Julian
Steward
Leslie White and Julian Steward present contrasting theories of cultural evolution.
White's theory of unilinear evolution posits that human societies progress along a
single line of development, from simple to complex. White emphasized the role of
energy in cultural development, suggesting that cultures evolve as they harness
greater amounts of energy. His famous formula, C = E x T (where culture evolves
based on energy and technology), highlights the connection between technological
advancements and sociocultural complexity. White’s approach is deterministic,
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
, +27 67 171 1739
assuming that all societies follow the same evolutionary path toward industrialization
and technological superiority.
In contrast, Julian Steward introduced the concept of multilinear evolution, which
rejects the idea of a single evolutionary path. Steward argued that cultures evolve in
various ways depending on their environmental contexts. He developed the concept
of "cultural ecology," focusing on how societies adapt to their specific ecological
niches. Unlike White, Steward emphasized that sociocultural change is influenced by
both the environment and societal responses to it, leading to diverse cultural
trajectories. For example, while one society might develop agriculture to cope with
environmental conditions, another might turn to pastoralism, based on different
ecological pressures.
White's theory is critiqued for its ethnocentric assumption that all societies aspire to
Western industrial models, disregarding cultural diversity. Steward's approach is
more flexible but is sometimes criticized for being too focused on environmental
determinism, overlooking other drivers of change like ideology or globalization. Both
theories provide valuable insights, but White’s unilinear model oversimplifies
sociocultural change, while Steward’s multilinear approach offers a more nuanced
understanding of the relationship between culture and the environment.
3. The Digital Divide in the Context of Globalization, with Reference to Africa
The "digital divide" refers to the gap between those who have access to digital
technologies and those who do not, a phenomenon that has become increasingly
significant in the context of globalization. In Africa, this divide is pronounced due to
several factors, including socio-economic disparities, political instability, and
infrastructural challenges. High costs of technology, limited access to electricity, and
underdeveloped telecommunications networks are major barriers to widespread
internet access in many African countries.
Socio-economic factors play a critical role in shaping the digital divide. Wealthier
urban populations in countries like South Africa have greater access to digital
technologies, while rural areas and poorer communities lack basic internet services.
Disclaimer
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and use of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
