economic determinism

Economic determinism is a sociological theory that posits economic factors, such as technology and economic relations, exert a decisive influence on the course of political, social, and intellectual evolution. This perspective, often associated with Karl Marx and his concept of historical materialism, suggests that economic processes are the primary drivers of social change. While influential, particularly in Europe, this approach was less embraced in the United States due to differing societal views on mobility and class structure. Other theories of social change emphasize different causal factors, such as ideas or technological advancements, rather than solely economic ones.12345