Which doctrine argues that environmental conditions shape and control cultural traits?

• A. Environmental Possibilism
• B. Cultural Determinism
• C. Ecological Determinism
• D. Environmental Determinism

Answer: (C)

Ecological determinism holds that the natural environment shapes and constrains human culture, guiding the development of cultural traits. It argues that climate, terrain, and resources set the possibilities and limits within which societies organize economy, technology, settlement, and social structures, so much of culture emerges as a response to those ecological conditions. This view emphasizes environment as a driving force behind cultural patterns rather than human choice or agency alone. For comparison, possibilism argues that people can adapt and innovate beyond environmental constraints, and while environmental determinism is closely related, the focus here is on the ecological relationships that shape culture.