Society Types
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Hunters and Gatherers- (Aborigines and !Kung San Bushmen)
Band- a group of hunters
These are societies which depend on hunting, fishing, or the gathering
of wild plants to provide their basic food needs. The hunting and gathering
economy demands extensive land, and permanent settlements are rarely possible
as people have to keep moving whenever the local food supply becomes depleted.
Possessions are limited to what can be carried, and dwellings are very
simple huts and tents.
? Everyone in the band has a role
? They are egalitarian
? Comprehensive knowledge (e.g. bugs to make poison)
? Children socialised in all roles; involved in everything (except
making poison- this is taboo) ? Gathering is done more frequently/
hunting is sporadic (depends on availability of game)
? Sex-division of rituals (e.g. Menstruation- women only, or
healing ceremony- male healer; men and women included).
? Environment- harsh, drought affects their hunting.
? Sex-division of labour: Men- hunting/scraping skins
Women- Gathering/ child rearing /dancing
?Availability of game depends on: - Availability of grass
- Seasons
- Urban areas + industry getting bigger
? The increase in size of urban areas and industry in the areas
where !Kung live also causes less space, pollution, new types of people,
and tourism (causes change).
Social Organisation
? Headman has formal authority over the disposition of a band?s
resources and movements but has limited political power; symbolic leadership
? Once married, a person may join the band of a spouse and enjoy
equal rights
? Bands made up of families
? Each band has limited territory
?They are exogamous
? Husband works for wife, when first married.
About the Author
by: Admin
Total views: 104
Word Count: 340
Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 Time: 12:00 AM
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