In the view of archaeologist Joseph Tainter, all civilizations eventually collapse because:
A) the costs of supporting them eventually exceed the benefits
B) all civilizations eventually deplete their resources
C) new civilizations with new technologies develop and destroy older civilizations through competition for resources
D) civilizations become too conservative and cannot adapt to changing conditions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Joseph Tainter argued that civilizations collapse because the costs of maintaining complex societies eventually exceed the benefits they provide. As societies become more complex, they require more resources and energy to maintain their institutions, infrastructure, and social order. Eventually, this becomes unsustainable and leads to collapse.

In the View of Archaeologist Joseph Tainter, All Civilizations Eventually