Romanticism or Reality A Comparative Analysis of the Question of Egalitarianism in Hunter-Gatherer Societies.
This paper will examine the question of the egalitarian structure of hunter-gatherer societies from a comparative perspective. It will be argued that variations between the egalitarianism of hunter-gatherer societies, traditionally seen as simply a matter of economics, may also be the result of cultural factors. While peoples of different cultures, in different environments, will necessarily define the division of labour and the distribution of resources in different fashions, the persistent signs of egalitarianism in hunter-gatherers in all regions and historical eras is a puzzle that demands closer study. 10 pgs. Bibliography lists 6 sources.