5 - Patterns of adaptation

Summary

In a discussion of “the logic of functional explanation,” Stinchcombe (1968:87-91) shows that theories such as Malinowski's theory of magic involve reciprocal interaction between a “structure” and a “homeostatic variable.” In Malinowski's theory, as depicted by Stinchcombe (Figure 5.1), the structure (S) to be explained is the recurrent practice of magic as an elaborate social ritual, and the homeostatic variable (H) is “anxiety.” Anxiety is continuously produced by “objective uncertainty” (T), an apparent measure of environmental hazard (cf. Goldschmidt, 1966:35). Paying close attention to the sign of each relationship, we note that any increase in environmental hazard reduces homeostasis (by raising anxiety); reduced homeostasis leads to increased resort to magic; the latter presumably serves to restore homeostasis. Malinowski's theory of magic belongs to a large class of theories that I propose to call adaptation theories; that is, it is a theory showing how changes in one sector of a social organization, herein to be called adaptations, help to resolve problems in another sector. Problems (departures from homeostasis) tend to increase adaptive efforts, whereas adaptations (when they are effective) tend to reduce problems–a pattern that, as we shall see, has a host of theoretical and methodological consequences. For the present it suffices to say that adaptation theories are an essential part of all contemporary sciences.

Consider, for instance, the physical and biological sciences. Clerk Maxwell's theory of the steam boiler regulator explains essentially how a valve, controlled by a servomechanism, corrects boiler pressure disturbances: Disturbances activate the valve, and an activated valve reduces disturbances.