Which concept involves the transformation of raw materials into products that have value?

The concept of production is fundamentally centered on the process of transforming raw materials into products that possess value. In cultural anthropology, production encompasses not only the physical act of making goods but also the social and economic relationships that guide this process. It includes various methods and practices, such as agricultural, industrial, and artisanal production techniques.

By focusing on production, we highlight how societies utilize their natural resources, labor, and technology to create items that meet human needs or desires. This transformation is crucial because it adds value, turning something raw or unrefined into a finished product that can be consumed or exchanged. Understanding production is essential because it reveals a great deal about a culture's economic systems, social organization, and even environmental context. Thus, production is not simply an economic activity but a cultural one, influencing and reflecting the values and practices of a community.