• PugJesus@lemmy.worldOP
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    2 months ago

    This has been a debate for the past century. The anthropological consensus seems to be something along the lines of “it really depends, but they are far more egalitarian on average than state based socities”

    Insofar as there is less wealth that can be hoarded, yes, but insofar as division of power is concerned, which is what wealth inequality is a consequence of, hunter-gatherer societies remain extremely unequal.

    There had been a consensus that they were chiefly egalitarian in the 60-2000s, but since then our notion of egalitarianism has become stricter.

    And our studies of non-state societies more rigorous.

    It’s a fascinating topic. I took two entire classes on this debate at the masters level.

    … well, you’re probably more informed on the topic than I am, then. I only took a few anthro courses when studying for my Bach, lol.