We need a system of classification (taxonomy or typology) for
ordering observations and organizing comparisons if we are to do
sociology.
Sociology is the scientific study of societies
The essence of science is systematic comparison
A taxonomic system would enable us to categorize societies
that are similar and different from one another.
Rules of classification should be simple and objective.
Systems of classification stimulate the development of
theories to explain patterns and irregularities.
HOW CAN WE DO IT?
SUBSISTENT TECHNOLOGIES
According to ecological-evolutionary theory, this is the
single most important factor affecting social organization and
development
Can base classification of most societies on material products
or observable results of subsistent technology.
ENVIRONMENTS
This is the second most important factor affecting social
organization and development.
Affects the potential for technological development
Affects the kinds of development that are likely to occur
TYPES OF HUMAN
SOCIETIES
1. TYPES OF HUMAN SOCIETIES
Hunting and Gathering
Horticultural (simple and advanced)
Agrarian (simple and advanced)
Industrial
2. CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFYING PRIMARY TYPES OF HUMAN
SOCIETIES
See text book Figure 4.1
3. ENVIRONMENTALLY SPECIALIZED TYPES
Fishing societies
Herding societies (simple and advanced)
Maritime societies
SOCIETAL TYPES THROUGH
HISTORY
1. FOUR MAJOR ERAS
Hunting and gathering (from beginnings to 7000 b.c...)
Horticultural (from 7000 b.c... to 3000 b.c...)
Agrarian (from 3000 b.c... to 1800 a.d...)
Industrial (from 1800 a.d.. to the present)
2. NAMED ACCORDING TO TYPE DOMINANT AT TIME
DIFFERENCES AMONG THE TYPES OF
SOCIETIES
SIZE AND PERMANENCE OF SETTLEMENT
Depends on subsistence technology (for example: simple
horticultural societies are nearly 40 times the size of hunting
and gathering societies --- Industrial societies are 10,000 times
the size of simple horticultural societies)
94% of societies that cultivate food are sedentary
90% of hunters and gatherers are nomadic
SOCIETAL COMPLEXITY
Occupational complexity
Complexity of status systems
Greater gender stratification as go from hunter-gatherer to
agrarian; starts to decline with industrialism
