Stateless+societies

Stateless socieies, particularly in Africa, were organized around kinship or other forms of obligation. They lack the concentration of political power that is usually associated with states. However, stateless societies can be larger and more extensive than states. In government, a council of families or even the whole community would hold the power usually held by a ruler and his court. This reduced the need to tax the people to support the ruler, bureaucrats, and military. Government was rarely a full time occupation. Sometimes secret societies were present, cutting though linear lines to set customs and beliefs. These brought stability to communities, as opposed to relying on government institutions. Stateless societies thrived in Africa, especially because dissenters to policies could simply leave and form a new community. However, stateless societies could not form large armies to oppose external threats, maintain large scale trade, or create large building projects.

Unit 3 Terms

Created by Becca Ellison October 21, 2008 Edited by Frances Grimball 10/22/08 Edited by Joe Hampton on October 22, 2008 Edited by: Dirk Gadsden (October 23, 2008)