Gerhard Lenski

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Chapter 4: Lenski's Ecological-Evolutionary Theory in Macrosociology: Four Modern Theorists
Gerhard Lenski's Ecological-Evolutionary Theory
Recommended Readings:
Review of Ecological-Evolutionary Theory
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| ecosystem | Adaptation | Agrarian societies | class systems |
| deduction | induction | race | division of labor |
| paradigm | cumulative change | power | constitutional government |
| innovation | extinction | fundamental innovations | cultural diffusion |
| cultural lag | cultural transmission | demography | evolution |
| Hunting & Gathering societies | legitimacy | self consciousness | sex stratification |
| social evolution | stratification | technology |
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Essays:
On your next exam you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the course material. You should take the time now to answer the following essay questions to create your study guide for that exam. Address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Prepare your answers now.
What are the two "laws" of distribution? How do they operate?
What is Lenski's hypothesis on technology, surplus, and inequality? What did his research on this reveal?
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Short
Answers:
The following short answer questions are from your readings and may well appear on your next exam. Each can be answered with a short paragraph of three or four sentences; please use your own words and voice. You are encouraged to answer these questions now to create your study guide for that exam.
What are the differences and similarities between social and biological evolution?
What is a "class system"?
How is the rule of elites legitimated?
What eight factors influence the rate of change experienced by a society?
How has Lenski been influenced by Malthus/
What is Lenski's take on the relationship between group and self-interest?
What does Lenski mean by "antagonistic cooperation"?
According to Lenski, what are the primary and secondary needs of human beings?
How does Lenski explain the variation in the nature and intensity of human needs within the same society?
"Society is a system, but an imperfect system at best." Explain the significance of this statement.
What factor is the primary determinant of the distribution of goods and services within a society?
Why is force an inefficient way to maintain order within a society?
Why are societies so stable and resistant to change over time?
Who are the prime actors in sociocultural change? What is their calculus?
Why is there a tendency for sociocultural systems to become more complex over time?
What are Lenski's three major factors determining the characteristics of sociocultural systems?
How does Lenski classify different societies throughout human history?
According to Lenski, what factors have contributed to a lessening of inequality in modern industrial societies?
What societies are favored in the global world system?
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Bibliography:
Lenski, G. (2003, October 13). About Lenski. (F.
Elwell, Interviewer)
Lenski, G. (2005).
Ecological-Evolutionary Theory: Principles and Applications. Colorado:
Paradigm.
Lenski, G. (1966). Power and
Privilege: A Theory of Social Stratification. New York: Random House.
Lenski, G., & Lenski, J.
(1987). Human Societies: An Introduction to Macrosociology (5th edition).
New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
Lenski, G., Lenski, J., &
Nolan, P. (1991). Human Societies: An Introduction to Macrosociology (7th
edition). New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company.
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©Frank Elwell
Send comments to felwell at rsu.edu