Who proposed the idea that each society represents a unique historical development?

Franz Boas is recognized as a pivotal figure in cultural anthropology, particularly for his notion that each society develops uniquely based on its historical and environmental contexts. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural practices, beliefs, and systems through the lens of history and the specific circumstances that shape them. Boas championed the idea of cultural relativism, arguing that cultures should be analyzed based on their own standards and developmental histories rather than being compared against Western norms or a single evolutionary scale. This approach laid the groundwork for modern anthropological methods, which prioritize in-depth ethnographic study and the appreciation of cultural diversity.

In contrast, other figures mentioned, while also significant in anthropology, contributed different theories. Marvin Harris focused on cultural materialism, emphasizing the role of material conditions in shaping culture. Malinowski is best known for developing functionalism, which analyzes the functions of cultural practices in meeting the needs of individuals and society. Claude Lévi-Strauss is celebrated for structuralism, exploring the underlying structures of thought that inform cultural expressions. Each of these theorists brings different methodologies and focuses to the field that do not center on the unique historical development of societies in the way Boas articulated.