What concept involves the belief that cultures evolve through various stages?

The concept that involves the belief that cultures evolve through various stages is known as cultural evolution. This theory posits that societies develop in a linear progression from simpler to more complex forms over time. Early anthropologists, particularly in the 19th century, proposed models that suggested that all societies scale through similar stages of development—often categorized as savagery, barbarism, and civilization. This framework aims to analyze cultural changes and advancements by framing them within a broader historical context, also incorporating ideas about technology, social structure, and subsistence methods. By focusing on cultural evolution, researchers can understand how cultures adapt, transform, and influence one another over time, which is key to exploring the dynamics of human societies in anthropology.