Society Types Overview

Overview

The lecture outlines the five main types of societies sociologists identify, each distinguished by its economy, technology, and social structure.

Originated around 250,000 years ago and are the oldest form of society.
Members hunt animals and gather plants, holding few possessions and sharing resources.
Societies are small, nomadic, and generally egalitarian in terms of gender, wealth, and power.
Division of labor mainly based on gender; both men and women contribute to survival.
Societies are tribal, valuing shared heritage and traditions, with minimal surplus storage.

Emerged about 10,000–12,000 years ago; based on simple tools for crops or raising domesticated animals.
Horticultural societies are less nomadic than pastoral ones, which move to find grazing land.
Food surpluses lead to trade and larger populations (hundreds of members).
Wealth inequality increases: in pastoral societies, wealth is measured by animals; in horticulture, by land owned.
More conflict arises over resources compared to the peaceful hunting and gathering societies.

Developed about 5,000 years ago with the plow, wheel, written language, and numbers.
Produce much more food, leading to large populations (millions) and extensive trade.
Major wealth disparities emerge, including the appearance of peasants working for landowners.
Internal and external conflicts increase due to competition for wealth and power.

Began in the 1700s with machine-driven production and the rise of factories, marking the Industrial Revolution.
Technological advances improved health, lifespan, and promoted individualism and political freedom.
Economic and gender inequality decreased compared to earlier societies.
Urbanization led to impersonal social relations, concentrated poverty, and urban violence.
Significant environmental impact and rise of modern policing and workplace reforms.

Characterized by the use of computers, information technology, and a knowledge- and service-based economy.
Wealth and power depend on information management, not just physical goods.
Predicted to feature more education, consumerism, social mobility, and hopefully less inequality.
Concerns remain over potential new social divisions based on educational access.

Egalitarian — a society where members are generally equal in wealth and power.
Nomadic — moving regularly in search of resources rather than settling permanently.
Surplus — excess food or goods beyond immediate needs, enabling trade.
Industrial Revolution — period of major industrialization (c. 1750–late 1800s) transforming economies and societies.
Post-Industrial Society — a society focused on information and services rather than manufacturing.