Neo-evolutionism is a theoretical framework in anthropology that emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the shortcomings of earlier evolutionist perspectives.

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Building upon the ideas of cultural evolution, neo-evolutionism sought to create a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of societal development.

Key points about Neo-evolutionism:

Reaction to Cultural Evolutionism: Neo-evolutionism aimed to address the ethnocentric biases and simplistic linear progressions found in earlier cultural evolution theories. It sought to create a more comprehensive model that considered diverse cultures and their unique paths of development.
Multilinear Approach: Unlike the unilinear approach of earlier evolutionists, neo-evolutionists proposed that societies could evolve along different paths. They acknowledged that various societies might progress differently based on their specific environmental, historical, and cultural contexts.
Stages of Socio-Cultural Evolution: Neo-evolutionists identified stages or levels of societal development, often characterized by their level of complexity. This could include bands, tribes, chiefdoms, and states, among others. These stages were not seen as fixed but as potential trajectories for social development.
Environment and Technology: Neo-evolutionists emphasized the role of environment and technology in shaping societal development. They believed that changes in technology, such as advancements in tools and agriculture, played a significant role in societal evolution.
Contributions and Criticisms: While neo-evolutionism offered a more flexible framework than its predecessors, it also faced criticism. Some critics argued that it still imposed a certain level of evolutionary hierarchy and didn’t sufficiently account for the intricacies and diversity of cultures and their histories.

Prominent neo-evolutionist thinkers include Julian Steward, Leslie White, and Elman Service, among others. They contributed to shaping a more nuanced understanding of cultural change and societal development by incorporating ecological, technological, and cultural factors into their analyses.

Neo-evolutionism marked an important shift in anthropological thought by acknowledging the complexity and diversity of human societies while attempting to create a framework for understanding their development in a more holistic manner.