Exam 2 Social Complexity

Question 1

Prestige

Answer 1

respect conferred based on culturally valued qualities

Question 2

Power

Answer 2

ability to exercise one’s will over others

Question 3

authority

Answer 3

socially approved use of power

Question 4

What are the different social structures?

Answer 4

Band, tribe, chiefdom, state

Question 5

Bands

Answer 5

Small group (60-100) living in loosely defined territory

Egalitarian
Kinship-based
Hunter/gatherers

Question 6

Tribe

Answer 6

Culturally distinct groups

Farmers
Clan/lineage based
Leaders; no formal gov.

Question 7

The Village Head

Answer 7

No power; leads by example & persuasion

Mediates disputes

Question 8

Big man

Answer 8

Similar to Village Head, but wider reach

Often charismatic - respect

Responsibilities:
holds feasts
encourages group contribution
facilitates cooperation

Question 9

Chiefdom

Answer 9

society with social ranking &
formal leaders

Mid-way b/t tribe & state

Like tribe: rooted in kinship
Like state: hierarchy & formal government