Ecological-evolutionary theory

This article is about the sociological concept. For the biological concept, see Evolutionary ecology.

Ecological-evolutionary theory (EET) is a sociological theory of sociocultural evolution that attempts to explain the origin and changes of society and culture.[1][2] Key elements focus on the importance of natural environment and technological change.[3] EET has been described as a theory of social stratification, as it analyzes how stratification has changed through time across different societies.[4] It also has been viewed as a synthesis of the structural functionalism and conflict theory.[4] Proposed by Gerhard Lenski, the theory perhaps is best articulated in his book, Ecological-Evolutionary Theory: Principles and Applications (2005).[2][5] His major collaborators, Jean Lenski and Patrick Nolan, also are said to have contributed to EET.[5][6]

  1. ^ Elwell (2013), p.92
  2. ^ a b Elwell (2013), p.91
  3. ^ Michael G. Vaughn; Matt DeLisi; Holly C. Matto (12 August 2013). Human Behavior: A Cell to Society Approach. John Wiley & Sons. p. 313. ISBN 978-1-118-41625-9.
  4. ^ a b Scott Sernau (28 April 2010). Social Inequality in a Global Age. SAGE Publications. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-4129-7791-3.
  5. ^ a b Robert E. Weir (2007). Class in America: H-P. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 452=453. ISBN 978-0-313-33721-5.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Michie2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).