Question 1

A mode of production is a way of organizing production, whereas the means of production include the factors of production such as land, labor, and technology.

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly describes the difference between mode of production and means of production. Mode of production refers to the overall organization and social relations of production, while means of production are the specific resources used in the production process.

Question 2

Anthropologists often say that in nonindustrial societies, economic relationships are embedded in social relationships.What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Agriculturalists tend to live in permanent villages that are larger and closer to other settlements than the semipermanent settlements of horticulturalists.

Accepted Answer

Agriculturalists rely heavily on crops for their livelihood and therefore need to live in permanent villages to tend to their crops. This also allows for better social organization and sharing of resources. Horticulturalists, on the other hand, practice more mobile forms of agriculture and therefore prefer semipermanent settlements.

Question 4

Imagine a foraging society that operates largely according to principles of generalized reciprocity, just prior to being colonized.Now defend the following statement: "Capitalism is not just an economic system; it is also a cultural system."

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

With balanced reciprocity, the giver expects something in return equal to what was given.

Accepted Answer

Balanced reciprocity involves an exchange where the giver expects something of equal value in return.

Question 6

We should not view contemporary foragers as isolated or pristine survivors of the Stone Age.Why? What is the evidence to suggest this view?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

With generalized reciprocity, the individuals participating in the exchange usually do not know the other person prior to the exchange.

Accepted Answer

Generalized reciprocity refers to a form of exchange where the giving and receiving of goods or services are not immediately reciprocated, and the parties involved often have a continuing relationship, implying they usually know each other prior to the exchange.

Question 8

Band- and tribal-level societies actively promote craft and task specialization.

Accepted Answer

Band- and tribal-level societies typically have little task specialization beyond that based on age, gender, and individual skills, as their subsistence strategies do not support the high levels of specialization found in more complex societies.

Question 9

Potlatching is a form of competitive feasting that enables individuals to redistribute surplus materials while simultaneously increasing their own prestige.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Potlatching was a common practice among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The host of a potlatch would give away gifts and food to their guests in order to enhance their status and reputation. In turn, the guests were expected to reciprocate with even more valuable gifts at their own potlatches. This resulted in a cycle of competitive giving that helped to establish social hierarchies within Indigenous communities.

Question 10

What are the basic differences and similarities between horticultural and foraging populations? Indicate reasons for the contrasts.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

The market principle dominates economic activities in band-level foraging societies.

Accepted Answer

In band-level foraging societies, economic activities are based on principles of reciprocity and sharing, rather than market exchange. Production and distribution of goods is typically determined by social norms and obligations within the group, rather than through market transactions.

Question 12

In nonindustrial societies, economic activities are embedded in the society.

Accepted Answer

In nonindustrial societies, economic activities are not considered separate from the society and are instead closely linked to cultural and social practices. For example, traditional subsistence agriculture is often practiced in nonindustrial societies, where the cultivation and use of food crops is heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and patterns of social organization. Similarly, the exchange of goods and services in nonindustrial societies is often governed by social norms and customs, rather than market-driven economic incentives.

Question 13

Is the contrast between horticulture and agriculture one of degree, or are they entirely separate practices? What is the difference between these two types of cultivation? Cite ethnographic evidence in your answer.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

List the first four of Cohen's adaptive strategies and summarize the key features of each.What are the correlated variables for each strategy?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

In transhumant societies, the entire group moves with their animals throughout the year.

Accepted Answer

In transhumant societies, only part of the group moves with the animals seasonally, while the rest stays in the home village or area.

Question 16

In most foraging societies, private ownership of bounded land has been almost nonexistent.

Accepted Answer

In foraging societies, land and resources were typically shared and communal, with no individual or private ownership of land.

Question 17

The high level of intensification and long-term dependability of horticulture paved the way for the emergence of large urban settlements and the first states.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Pastoralists are specialized herders whose subsistence strategies are focused on domesticated animals.

Accepted Answer

Pastoralists rely heavily on domesticated animals for their subsistence, such as goats, sheep, camels, and cattle. They move with their herds in search of grazing land and water sources.

Question 19

Anthropological analysis of potlatching contradicts the classic economics assumption that individuals are, by nature, profit maximizers.

Accepted Answer

Anthropological analysis of potlatching suggests that individuals may be driven by social status and prestige instead of solely maximizing profit, contradicting the classic economics assumption.

Question 20

Although agriculture is much more productive per acre than horticulture, horticulture is more reliable and dependable in the long run.

Accepted Answer

This statement is actually false. While horticulture may have less yield per acre than agriculture, it can provide a more consistent and reliable source of income due to its diversity of crops and ability to adapt to changes in weather and market conditions. Agriculture, on the other hand, is more prone to the effects of adverse weather conditions, pests, and market fluctuations which can negatively impact yields and income.

Quiz 7: Making a Living