Which anthropologist is associated with cultural materialism?

Cultural materialism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the material conditions of life, such as technology, economy, and environment, as primary factors shaping culture and social structures. Marvin Harris, the anthropologist associated with cultural materialism, argued that cultural practices and beliefs can be understood primarily through their relationships to material realities. He posited that food production, technology, and ecological factors influence social organization, ideology, and cultural practices.

Harris’s work involved examining how different cultures adapt to their environments and how these adaptations are reflected in their social norms and values. This contrasts with other anthropological approaches that may focus more heavily on symbolic or interpretative aspects of culture, which is evident in the works of Clifford Geertz, for instance. Cultural materialism seeks to ground cultural analysis in tangible experiences and practices, showcasing the significant impact that material conditions have on human societies.