BLUF
The functionalist theory attributes civilisation's evolution to trade, healthcare, irrigation, and agriculture. Conflict theory, however, credits it to a society's ability to tackle internal and external threats.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- Many anthropologists support conflict theory, most archaeologists don't.
- Conflict theorists see cavalry and iron weapons as important as agriculture.
- They believe competition, not violence, was key to civilisation's evolution.
- Some argue conflict theory overlooks cultural and economic complexity.
