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Text 1 Conventional wisdom long held that human social systems evolved in stages, beginning with hunter-gatherers forming small bands of members with roughly equal status. The shift to agriculture about 12,000 years ago sparked population growth that led to the emergence of groups with hierarchical structures: associations of clans first, then chiefdoms, and finally, bureaucratic states. Text 2 In a 2021 book, anthropologist David Graeber and archacologist David Wengrow maintain that humans have always been socially flexible, alternately forming systems based on hierarchy and collective ones with decentralized leadership. The authors point to evidence that as far back as 50,000 years ago some hunter-gatherers adjusted their social structures seasonally, at times dispersing in small groups but also assembling into communities that included esteemed individuals. Based on the texts, how would Graeber and Wengrow (Text 2 ) most likely respond to the "conventional wisdom" presented in Text 1? A) By conceding the importance of hierarchical systems but asserting the greater significance of decentralized collective societies B) By disputing the idea that developments in social structures have followed a linear progression through distinct stages C) By acknowledging that hierarchical roles likely weren't a part of social systems before the rise of agriculture D) By challenging the assumption that groupings of hunter-gatherers were among the earliest forms of social structure

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B

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The question requires analyzing two contrasting perspectives on the evolution of human social structures. Text 1 describes a conventional view of human social evolution, suggesting a linear progression from small, equal-status bands of hunter-gatherers to larger, hierarchical societies following the advent of agriculture. Text 2, based on the work of anthropologist David Graeber and archaeologist David Wengrow, presents a counterargument. They argue that human societies have always been socially flexible. They cite evidence showing that even 50,000 years ago, hunter-gatherers were capable of altering their social structures, sometimes operating in small groups, while at other times forming larger communities with recognized leaders.Analyzing the response options:- A) This option suggests that Graeber and Wengrow might agree with the importance of hierarchical systems but emphasize the significance of decentralized societies. This doesn't fully align with their argument, which is more about flexibility and variability in social structures, rather than a preference for one type over another.- B) This option posits that Graeber and Wengrow dispute the linear progression of social structures. This aligns well with their view that human societies were not rigidly fixed in one form but rather were capable of adapting and changing their social structures.- C) This option suggests an acknowledgment of hierarchical roles being absent before agriculture. While Graeber and Wengrow do challenge conventional views, they do not specifically focus on the absence of hierarchy pre-agriculture; their focus is more on the flexibility and adaptability of social structures.- D) This option proposes that they challenge the idea of hunter-gatherer groupings being among the earliest forms of social structure. This is not entirely accurate, as their argument is not about the timing of different social structures but about the variability and adaptability of these structures.Based on this analysis, option B seems to be the most aligned with Graeber and Wengrow's views as presented in Text 2. They are likely to dispute the linear, stage-wise view of social development and emphasize the adaptability and flexibility of early human societies.