What is the focus of unilineal evolution in anthropology?

Unilineal evolution in anthropology primarily focuses on the idea that cultures develop in a linear progression through a series of sequential stages. This theoretical framework posits that all cultures evolve along a similar trajectory, predominantly moving from "primitive" societies to "civilized" ones. Classical anthropologists such as Lewis Henry Morgan and Edward Tylor proposed that societies transition through stages such as savagery, barbarism, and civilization, reflecting a hierarchy of cultural development.

This concept emphasizes the notion of a singular path of evolution for all societies, suggesting that the historical development of cultures can be mapped out into defined phases. This perspective impacted early anthropological thought by attempting to categorize and compare societal advancements across different regions and time frames, despite being criticized for its oversimplification and ethnocentrism in assuming a universal progression.