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Economics Quote by David Lewis-Williams

“The economic base of a social formation, the infrastructure, includes the social relations of production the produce the material necessities of life. In doing so, it produces the superstructure, that is, ideology, belief, religion, and juridical controls.” quote by David Lewis-Williams
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““The economic base of a social formation, the infrastructure, includes the social relations of production the produce the material necessities of life. In doing so, it produces the superstructure, that is, ideology, belief, religion, and juridical controls.””

David Lewis-Williams

About This Quote

Source Academic: Anthropology Textbook, 2005

Economic foundations shape social relations, which generate material needs and, in turn, create ideologies, religions, and legal systems.

In simple terms: Economy builds society and its ideas.

Key Takeaway

Study economic structures to understand cultural systems.

Themes

economics social relations ideology religion law

Mood

analytical academic critical

Type

theoretical scholarly

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • education curriculum
  • community organizing
  • media critique
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

marxist theory anthropology social theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do economic changes affect cultural beliefs?
  • Can ideology reshape economic structures?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on economics may overlook agency.

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