Major Theoretical Approaches of the 20th Century in Archaeology

Types of Questions about past

Interpretive Approach Foci of Inquiry humans that are addressed
Culture History Time & Space questions What happened? When & Where?
(Temporal/Spatial) More descriptive than explanatory
Basis for Processualism & Direct Historical Approach
Postprocessualism cultural continuities in descendant
groups through history (time)
Processualism Adaptations to various environmental How was past human behavior
Cultural Ecology, Cultural settings; processes of culture change; structured? Why do we see certain
materialism are major strong alignment with Scientific behavioral responses to changing
processual approaches Approach; empiricism. Techno- environments? Processes of
environmental materialism direct change, more on group level
material benefits (food, shelter, More explanatory than descriptive
clothing, etc)
Postprocessualism Focus is on emic (insiders) How do individuals contribute to
Cognitive Archaeology, Gender perspectives. Ideological & symbolic culture change? Why do we see
(feminist perspectives) & systems are seen as important. NOT certain human behavioral
Marxist approaches are part of so much emphasis on technology & responses to changing perceptions
postprocessualism
the environment or use of quantitative of the universe? Social relations?
methods to explain culture More explanatory than descriptive