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:

  1. Many anthropologists support conflict theory, most archaeologists don't.
  2. Conflict theorists see cavalry and iron weapons as important as agriculture.
  3. They believe competition, not violence, was key to civilisation's evolution.
  4. Some argue conflict theory overlooks cultural and economic complexity.
READ: Did war help societies become bigger and more complex?

References