Cultural Materialism is an anthropological theory that emphasizes the role of material conditions in shaping culture. It suggests that the environment, economy, and technology significantly influence social structures, beliefs, and practices. This approach contrasts with theories that prioritize ideas or beliefs as the primary drivers of cultural development. The theory was popularized by anthropologist Marvin Harris, who argued that understanding a society's material conditions is essential for explaining its cultural phenomena. By examining factors like resource availability and economic systems, cultural materialism seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and societal evolution.