What is the adaptive view on culture?

The adaptive view of culture is an anthropological theory that considers culture as a set of learned behaviours, beliefs, values, and ways of life shared by members of a society. This perspective emphasises the role of culture in enabling humans to adapt and survive in their environments.

According to the adaptive view, cultural traits and practices emerge and develop to address specific challenges and opportunities faced by a particular group. For example, in societies with harsh climates, people may develop cultural practices that involve building shelters, storing food, and creating warm clothing to endure the challenging environmental conditions.

Advocating the adaptive view proposes that culture is not fixed or static but evolves over time in response to changing circumstances and needs. As the environment and surrounding change, so do the cultural practices and beliefs of the people living within that context.

Additionally, this perspective recognises the interrelationship between culture and biology. It suggests that some cultural behaviours might have a biological basis, and humans may be biologically predisposed to develop specific cultural practices that enhance their adaptation and survival. For instance, humans are social beings with innate inclinations towards cooperation and communication. These biological traits contribute to the development of cultural norms that emphasise cooperation within social groups.

In summary, the adaptive view on culture emphasises the functional role of culture in allowing individuals and societies to adapt and thrive within their particular ecological, environmental, and social contexts. It sees culture as a dynamic system that evolves to meet the ever-changing challenges and opportunities encountered by society.