Marvin Harris
Marvin Harris: A Pioneer in Cultural Anthropology
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marvin Harris was born Marvin Meltman on August 30, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. He is often referred to as Marvin Harris or simply Marvin.
Birth and Death Dates
Harris lived a long and accomplished life, passing away on August 25, 2001, just five days shy of his 74th birthday.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Marvin Harris was an American anthropologist, best known for his work in cultural anthropology. He was a prominent figure in the field, publishing numerous books and articles that continue to influence scholarship today.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Marvin Harris developed a keen interest in science and social issues at an early age. His parents, who were both intellectuals themselves, encouraged his curiosity and nurtured his passion for learning. Harris's academic prowess earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School.
Major Accomplishments
Marvin Harris made significant contributions to the field of cultural anthropology, particularly in the areas of economic and cultural anthropology. His work focused on understanding how human societies organize themselves, with an emphasis on the role of culture in shaping social behavior. He is perhaps best known for his concept of "cultural materialism," which posits that human societies are shaped by their ecological environments and the resources available to them.
Notable Works or Actions
Harris's most notable works include:
"The Rise of Anthropological Theory: A History of Theories of Cultural Development" (1968) - a comprehensive history of anthropological theory from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.
"Cultural Materialism: The Struggle for a Science of Culture" (1979) - a seminal work that outlines Harris's concept of cultural materialism and its implications for understanding human societies.
Impact and Legacy
Marvin Harris's contributions to anthropology have had a lasting impact on the field. His work has influenced generations of scholars, shaping the way we think about culture, society, and human behavior. Harris's emphasis on the importance of ecological factors in shaping social behavior has also had significant implications for fields such as environmental studies and sustainable development.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marvin Harris is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful and provocative writings on anthropology. His ability to distill complex ideas into clear, concise language made him a beloved figure among students and scholars alike. Harris's commitment to making anthropology accessible to a broad audience has left a lasting legacy in the field.
Throughout his career, Marvin Harris was known for his wit, humor, and engaging writing style. He was a masterful storyteller who could weave complex ideas into compelling narratives that captivated readers of all backgrounds. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars and thinkers, ensuring that his work remains relevant and influential for years to come.
As we reflect on Marvin Harris's remarkable life and contributions, it becomes clear why he is widely quoted and remembered. He was a true pioneer in the field of anthropology, leaving behind a body of work that continues to shape our understanding of human societies and cultures.
Quotes by Marvin Harris
Marvin Harris's insights on:
There are very important and practical issues raised by following this alternative route which says, let's look to material conditions, to the systems of production, to the needs that human beings have, and to competing alternative solutions to the satisfaction of those needs.
Pigs eat grass if they are very hungry, but they can’t use it as a regular source of food.
Like most North Americans, I’d been raised on the notion that milk is the first food, and everybody must like it because it’s so good and so important for growing up and for being healthy.
When a woman gives birth to a child, the child needs to be able to digest the mother’s milk; but when this child is old enough to begin to eat other foods, there is some switching off of this ability to consume milk.
Every theory presented as a scientific concept is just that; it’s a theory that tries to explain more about the world than previous theories have done. It is open to being challenged and to being proven incorrect.
In many ways the rise of the state was the descent of the world from freedom to slavery.
I don’t know of any cases where as a result of religious precepts a population have found themselves enjoying less food than they would have if they didn’t follow this particular religion.
Like all dominant groups, men seek to promote an image of their subordinate’s nature that contributes to the preservation of the status quo. For thousands of years, males have seen women not as women could be, but only as males want them to be.
Ethnography literally means ‘a portrait of a people.’ An ethnography is a written description of a particular culture – the customs, beliefs, and behavior – based on information collected through fieldwork.