answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Leslie White creates formulas to explain aspects of cultural development. For example, in his book "The Evolution of Culture" he describes the organization of a prehuman, anthropoid family with the formula: F = f x c (where f represents the factor of sex and c represents the corporative endeavor of the family in subsistence and defensive-offensive strategies)

White's most famous formula is C = T x E (E represents the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year and T represents technology or the efficiency of the tools used for exploiting the energy, and C represent the degree of cultural deleopment)

These equations have been criticized for one major reason. Although they seem to produce neat and discrete answers from scientifically measurable variables, the opposite is actually true. Variables such as the efficiency of tools within a society or the corporative strategies of a family group have no concrete quantitative values which can be measured, weighed, or otherwise garnered. Any system that produces a value for these variables would be completely arbitrary and pseudoscientific at best. As a result, the formulas presented by White offer little value beyond depicting the relationship of one variable to another. In addition, if no reliable numerical value can be reliably produced by White's formulas, than he has no basis for comparing the cultural advancement of one society to another, which is an important aspect of his work.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are the criticisms of Alvin Leslie White an American anthropologist?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

When was Alvin Smith - American football - born?

Alvin Smith - American football - was born on 1982-06-16.


What was Alvin aliey famous for?

He was a choreographer who established the "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater" .


Who was the founder of the American Dance Theater?

Alvin Aiiey


When did the Alvin show come out?

Alvin and the Chipmunks is an American animated television series aired from 1983-87 and from 1988-90 .


Who was the American hero who killed 25 Germans and helped captured 132?

Sergeant Alvin York Sergeant Alvin York


What did Alvin Ailey Accomplish?

Alvin Ailey was a choreographer, who is known for founding the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater located in New York. He is also known for his contribution to popularizing modern dance.


Who produced Alvin and the Chipmunks?

The movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is an American comedy that was released on December 14, 2007. It was produced by Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian.


Who was Alvin ailey's lover?

Alvin Ailey was a dancer and the founder of New York dance company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He died on December 1, 1989. His long-term lover was David McReynolds.


What nationality is Alvin Ailey?

He was African American from Rogers, Bell County, Texas.


Who was the dancer to become the director of a major American dance company?

Alvin Ailey


Who founded the American Dance Theater in New York City?

Alvin Ailey


What has the author Wallace Alvin Briggs written?

Wallace Alvin Briggs has written: 'Great poems of the English language' -- subject(s): English poetry, American poetry