Lenski and 5 different societies
Jean and Gerhard Lenski, in their theory of sociocultural evolution, describe five different types of societies, separated by their technologies. They are the hunting and gathering societies, the horticultural and pastoral societies, the agrarian societies, the industrial societies, and the post-industrial societies. Which of these societies would I prefer? I will argue that the post-industrial society is favorable to the other four societies. Compared to the post-industrial society, an individual in the hunting and gathering society consumes a great deal of time, energy, and thought, collecting and hunting for food. Most of these societies today generally live in marginal areas where resources are scarce, so life for the hunter and gatherer seems more oriented toward mere survival. The natural elements can be harsh, for example, in the Arctic where the Inuit live. In the post-industrial society, food is easily available, allowing more time to focus on other interests. Life expectancy is also very low compared to the post industrial society. Technology is minimal in the hunting and gathering society, which again relates back to the need for expending time and energy finding food. Technology in medicine is also
It does not display the more general democratic political characteristics of the post-industrial society. If I, or someone I cared for, develops a pendicitis, for example, this would be easily treatable in the post-industrial society, death would be rare. This type of work is something that a machine in post-industrialist society would do. Most of one's day involves doing repetitive or thoughtless work. Advancing technology benefits the few or rich in that they collect wealth in industry. The ability to choose is dependent on economic class, and is generally determined by birth. I feel that the costs, however, outweigh these benefits. It also gives a voice to special interest groups such as women's rights groups and economically disadvantaged groups, which in turn promotes greater democracy. In addition, members of this society and the later part of the industrial society, have a greater amount of leisure time. Generally, the industrial society is one where the majority of its members work in factories. Power is highly stratified between rich and poor, men and women. Medical technology is also low, so physical pain and death are more common than in post-industrial society. Production of food in the horticulturist society and care of animals in the pastoral society still consumes a large portion of time for most of its members. Pastoral societies are also at risk of animal diseases or droughts. These societies do not have the technologies that post-industrial societies have to guard against food shortage.
Common topics in this essay:
Arctic Inuit,
Gerhard Lenski,
post-industrial society,
hunting gathering,
hunting gathering society,
pastoral societies,
gathering society,
horticultural pastoral societies,
horticultural pastoral,
industrial society,
industrial societies,
societies horticultural pastoral,
hunting gathering societies,
dangerous environments,
post-industrial society agrarian,
hunter gatherer,
agrarian society,
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