Social Structures: From Tribal Societies to Nascent States
In these societies, a tribal chief is responsible for collecting and storing food and goods to meet the population’s needs during shortages. This allows the chief and their subordinates to live according to their rank. Hierarchy can also include a war chief, leading military campaigns and incorporating conquered villages into the tax system. Specialized social groups may emerge, including military, religious, administrative, and craft-based groups.
Emergence of Nascent States
The conditions that facilitated the transition from primitive societies to states include:
- Strong centralization of power
- Increased social stratification
- Clear division of functions
- Inequality in wealth distribution
- Urban development
- Remarkable cultural growth
This new form of social organization first appeared in the Middle East (Sumer, Mesopotamia) around 3500 BC. Almost simultaneously, it emerged in the Indus Valley, the Yellow River basin, Mesoamerica, and, a little later, in Egypt. In these regions, increased agricultural production led to the emergence of trade, the growth of towns, the development of laws, and the first cultural manifestations, such as writing, scientific inquiries, and expressions of religious sentiment.
Socialization and Identity
Anthropology studies the process by which the human species has been socialized. Socialization is also a process at the individual’s social identity level. Social identity allows us to maintain social values shared with others, while personal identity allows us to remain unique and singular.
Forms of Socialization
Socialization is the process by which an individual internalizes the culture of the society in which they live, developing and establishing their identity as a person.
In these societies, a tribal chief is responsible for collecting and storing food and goods to meet the population’s needs during shortages. This allows the chief and their subordinates to live according to their rank. Hierarchy can also include a war chief, leading military campaigns and incorporating conquered villages into the tax system. Specialized social groups may emerge, including military, religious, administrative, and craft-based groups.
The Nascent States
The conditions that facilitated the transition from primitive societies to states include:
- Strong centralization of power
- Increased social stratification
- Clear division of functions
- Inequality in wealth distribution
- Urban development
- Remarkable cultural growth
This new form of social organization first appeared in the Middle East (Sumer, Mesopotamia) around 3500 BC. Almost simultaneously, it emerged in the Indus Valley, the Yellow River basin, Mesoamerica, and, a little later, in Egypt. In these regions, increased agricultural production led to the emergence of trade, the growth of towns, the development of laws, and the first cultural manifestations, such as writing, scientific inquiries, and expressions of religious sentiment.
Anthropology studies the process by which the human species has been socialized. Socialization is also a process at the individual’s social identity level. Social identity allows us to maintain shared values with others, while personal identity allows us to remain unique and singular.
Forms of Socialization
Socialization is the process by which an individual internalizes the culture of the society in which they live, developing their identity and becoming a person.