ISS 210 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Nuclear Family, Culture Change, Structural Adjustment
29 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Progress the idea that human history is the story of a steady advance from a life dependent on the whims of nature to a life of control and domination over natural forces. Slash-and-burn (swidden) agriculture clearing forests by burning the trees and brush and planted crops among the ashes on the cleared ground. Human inventions created better ways of doing things and human culture progressed to make society go from nomadic to industrial. Very high yield relative to labor expended. Conflict controlled by limiting group size, mobility, and flexibility of group membership. Small family groups whose major purpose is economic cooperation. Few status distinctions other than those of sex and age. More formalized political organization, often with well-established leaders or chiefs. Increased population density and wealth result in increased potential for conflict. Intergroup warfare, motivated by desire for wealth, prestige, or women, is common. Descent important for the distribution of wealth and property.
