Band and tribal societies 1-2
Political organisation. State and stateless
- Within stateless
- Band
- Tribal
- Lineage based
- Age set based
- Village based
Stateless societies are egalitarian, independent segments with their own authority while some may have chiefdom.
- Band. 6 to 10 families. Adult members make decision by consensus. No clear hierarchy but tasks given on merit. No specialisation. Mobility in search of food. Usually elders have power. Not much positions jealousy and less conflict. Justice focus on resolving conflict and restoring harmony not to punish the guilty. Only under extreme conditions they are punished. fights song dual or stick fight are used. Inuit mock dance and sing. Inuit today use snowmobile and market food. Ember 2014.
- Village type. Community exists as village. May have village council. Lineage based. Matrilocal pata local. Discussion and decision by elders. Khasi tribe. May have use dormitory. Division of labour based on gender and age. Shifting cultivation or gathering.
- Age set-based. Pastoral Masai societies. Limited positions. Junior are warriors and senior warriors guide them. Rights de passage. Ceremony for juniors. Massai tribe of Africa.
- Lineage based society. Nuer tribe Africa. In horticulture society. May have many lineages that are hostile to each other. Blood feuds. Revenge may last for generations. Leopard skin chief might play a role in mediating because he is neutral. Lineages may also merge to become centralised.
State societies
- Monarchy. Democracy. Communist.
- UK USA USSR
- Based on territory.
- Law based on force and power of the state.
- Functions of authority. Protect the people. Provide services. Monitoring trade. Justice.
- Bureaucracy. Large population.
- Authority can be based on tradition, legal rational or charismatic. Stateless societies have traditional authority.