The human societies that have the fewest social divisions are known as hunting and gathering societies. As the name implies, these groups depend on hunting and gathering for their survival. In some, the men hunt animals and the women gather plants. In others, both men and women (and children) gather plants, the men hunt large animals, and both men and women hunt small animals. Beyond this basic division of labor by sex, there are few social divisions. The groups usually have a shaman, an individual thought to be able to influence spiritual forces, but shamans, too, must help obtain food.
In addition to sex, the major unit of organization within the group is the family. Most members of the group are related by shared ancestors or marriage. Because the family is the only social structure in these societies, it performs many functions that in modern societies are divided among different institutions. Thus, the family distributes food to its members, educates its children (especially in food skills), gives medicine to the sick, and so on.
Hunters and gatherers are the most equal of all societies. Because the food that they hunt and gather cannot be preserved or stored, the people cannot accumulate possessions. Thus, no one becomes wealthier than anyone else. There are no rulers, and most decisions are arrived at through discussion. Because their needs are basic and they do not accumulate possessions, hunters and gatherers have the most leisure time of all human groups.
All human groups were once hunters and gatherers, and until several hundred years ago, such societies were common. Their way of life ended when other groups took over the areas on which they depended for their food. Today only a few remain, such as the Pygmies of central Africa, the San of the Namibian desert, and the Aborigines of Australia.
5. According to paragraph 1, in hunting and gathering societies, social divisions are mainly based on ________.
A.different responsibilities for finding food |
B.how many possessions a person has |
C.the size of a person’s family |
D.the ability to influence spiritual forces |
6. According to the text, in hunting and gathering societies, the most important social structure is ________.
A.education |
B.government |
C.family |
D.religion |
7. According to paragraph 3, people in hunting and gathering societies CANNOT ________.
A.store food for future use |
B.make decisions as a group |
C.meet their basic needs |
D.enjoy very much leisure time |
8. In paragraph3, the word “possessions” is closest in meaning to ________.
A.knowledge |
B.property |
C.sickness |
D.relationships |
9. It can be inferred from the passage that hunting and gathering societies ________.
A.were limited in the past to Africa and Australia |
B.no longer exist |
C.are the oldest form of human society |
D.easily coexist with farming societies |