Leslie Alvin White

Leslie Alvin White (1900-1975), an American anthropologist best known for his ideas about the role of energy technology in cultural evolution. In The Science of Culture (1949) and The Evolution of Culture (1959), he describes the effects of technology in energy terms: “culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year is increased, or as the efficiency of the instrumental means of putting the energy to work is increased." He viewed increasing energy use as a principal driver of not only material wealth, but also the norms and values that shape society. In this way, he was an important intellectual precursor to the schools of biophysical and ecological economics that would develop in the late 20th century.

Further Reading

• Leslie Alvin White, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Leslie Alvin White, 1900-1975, American Anthropological Association

Leslie Alvin White

Leslie Alvin White (1900-1975), an American anthropologist best known for his ideas about the role of energy technology in cultural evolution. In The Science of Culture (1949) and The Evolution of Culture (1959), he describes the effects of technology in energy terms: “culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year is increased, or as the efficiency of the instrumental means of putting the energy to work is increased." He viewed increasing energy use as a principal driver of not only material wealth, but also the norms and values that shape society. In this way, he was an important intellectual precursor to the schools of biophysical and ecological economics that would develop in the late 20th century.

Further Reading

• Leslie Alvin White, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Leslie Alvin White, 1900-1975, American Anthropological Association