How did the growth of modern industrial societies change the subjects studied by cultural anthropologists?

The growth of modern industrial societies significantly transformed cultural anthropology, shifting its focus from the study of "primitive" or nonindustrial societies toward a broader, more global scope.12

Historically, anthropologists primarily documented the everyday lives of people in nonindustrial settings, often viewing these cultures as "traditional" or "folk" societies. However, as these cultures began to disappear or transform under the influence of modern industrialization, the discipline underwent a major shift. Key changes include:12

• Research Focus: Anthropologists increasingly turned their attention to their own Western societies and to modernizing, postcolonial nations. This shift challenged the discipline's earlier, often colonial, perspectives.123
• Urban Anthropology: The rise of urban anthropology allowed researchers to study cultural systems within cities, moving from micro-studies of specific neighborhoods to macro-level analyses of how cities are shaped by global economic and political forces.45
• Theoretical Shifts: The traditional, static view of culture as a fixed set of traditions gave way to a more dynamic understanding, where cultures are seen as constantly produced through human action in response to material conditions.5
• Applied Research: Many anthropologists began applying their expertise to contemporary issues, such as poverty, health, and political policy, rather than focusing solely on academic documentation.142