Name the anthropologists who postulated major theories on Neo-Evolutionism.

Several anthropologists contributed to the development of Neo-Evolutionism, a theoretical framework that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the shortcomings of earlier evolutionary theories. These anthropologists sought to incorporate new methods, theories, and data from diverse cultures to refine and expand our understanding of cultural evolution. Some of the key anthropologists who postulated majorizations within Neo-Evolutionism include:

1. Leslie White

Leslie White was a prominent figure in Neo-Evolutionism who proposed a theory of cultural evolution based on the concept of energy capture. White argued that human societies evolve by increasing their ability to harness and utilize energy, which drives technological innovations and social complexity. He developed the idea of "cultural materialism," which posits that cultural traits are shaped primarily by the material and environmental conditions of a society.

2. Julian Steward

Julian Steward was another influential Neo-Evolutionist who emphasized the importance of ecological and environmental factors in shaping cultural evolution. Steward introduced the concept of "multilinear evolution," which suggests that different societies can follow distinct paths of development based on their environmental contexts and adaptive strategies. He conducted extensive ethnographic research among Native American tribes, applying his theories to understand cultural change and variation.

3. Marshall Sahlins

Marshall Sahlins contributed to Neo-Evolutionism through his work on cultural ecology and symbolic anthropology. Sahlins proposed the concept of "structure and function in primitive society," which emphasizes the interconnectedness of cultural institutions, social organization, and environmental adaptation. He argued that cultural systems are shaped by both practical concerns, such as subsistence strategies, and symbolic meanings, such as rituals and belief systems.

4. Elman Service

Elman Service was a Neo-Evolutionist who proposed a theory of "social evolution" based on the development of social complexity and organizational structures. Service identified several stages of social evolution, including band, tribe, chiefdom, and state societies, each characterized by distinct forms of political organization, economic specialization, and social stratification. He emphasized the role of social institutions, such as leadership and kinship systems, in facilitating cultural evolution.

5. Morton Fried

Morton Fried made significant contributions to Neo-Evolutionism through his theory of "egalitarian vs. ranked vs. stratified societies." Fried argued that societies can be classified into three broad categories based on their degree of social inequality and political complexity. He proposed that egalitarian societies are characterized by relatively equal distribution of resources and power, while ranked and stratified societies exhibit increasing levels of social hierarchy and centralized authority.

These anthropologists, among others, played pivotal roles in shaping the theoretical foundations of Neo-Evolutionism and advancing our understanding of cultural evolution, social organization, and environmental adaptation. Their contributions continue to influence contemporary anthropological research and provide valuable insights into the complexities of human societies.