Impact of Surplus Production and Early State Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which theory states that rulers derive their power based on a perceived relationship with supernatural forces?

Social contract theory

Force theory

Divine right theory (correct)

Paternalistic theory

What are the four requisite elements to define a political state?

Sovereignty, law, governance, culture

Economy, population, sovereignty, territory

Territory, sovereignty, people, government (correct)

Military, government, culture, territory

Which type of theory believes that political units grow from familial relationships in patriarchal societies?

Meritocracy theory

Divine right theory

Paternalistic theory (correct)

Force theory

In the context of early civilization, which characteristic was essential for public decision-making?

Ceremonial center Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of surplus production on societies, according to progressive scholars?

Creation of rigid social structures and political states Signup and view all the answers

What was a common outcome of conflicts over resources in early societies, such as with the Mayans?

Subjugation of lower groups Signup and view all the answers

How did agriculture influence the development of human populations?

It created the need for structured social systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between egalitarian societies and those characterized as civilizations during the early periods?

Development of city-states and governance Signup and view all the answers

Which institution is characterized by widely accepted roles within society, such as the relationship between a parent and child in the Philippines?

Family Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the external forces affecting human interactions and the constant recreation of institutions?

Environmental Shifts Signup and view all the answers

In the analogy of social structure as a building, what part of the building provides the design and body?

The Institutions and Roles Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural norms and values impact individual behavior in a society?

They usually determine acceptable behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What concept refers to the ability of individuals to act purposefully and reflectively in their social interactions?

Social Agency Signup and view all the answers

What societal activity is typically frowned upon in the context of family institutions in certain cultures?

Divorce Signup and view all the answers

In what way can culture be considered analogous to social structure?

Both provide rules and expectations that shape individual behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of social organization reflects the roles and statuses within a society?

Social Structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason the US government did not engage with the protesters?

The government perceived a difference in status. Signup and view all the answers

How do societal values and norms influence social interactions?

They inform the meanings ascribed to actions of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of an individual's status in society?

It determines the accepted behaviors and expected roles. Signup and view all the answers

What role do institutions play within a society?

They create roles and norms from individual exchanges. Signup and view all the answers

In a typical school structure, how do roles affect interactions?

Roles guide the manner of speaking and the content of statements. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a government official fails in their societal role?

They may face conflict due to unmet expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of social organization within a society?

It is divided into layers of contexts and positions. Signup and view all the answers

How is a group defined within the context of society?

It consists of at least two individuals in constant interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Surplus Production & Its Impact

Surplus production can lead to both positive and negative consequences for human populations.
Progressive scholars argue that surplus production has had negative impacts on societies.
Some of the negative impacts include social divisions, high population density, and gender inequality.

Early Civilizations and the Rise of the State

Early civilizations emerged by the end of the Neolithic period.
These civilizations developed complex social structures due to changes in food production.
Civilizations were defined by the presence of city-states, a system of writing, and a ceremonial center for decision-making.

Theories of the Rise of the State

Divine Right Theory: Rulers claimed their right to rule was based on a connection to supernatural forces.
- The Sumerian god-king concept is an example.
Force Theory: A group dominates another through force, as observed among the Mayans.
- Conflicts over resources, like access to rivers, led to subjugation.
Paternalistic Theory: The patriarch, or father, becomes the leader of a political unit. This theory applies to highly patriarchal societies.

Social Structure provides the framework for societies, shaping roles, statuses, institutions, and organizations.
- Think of it as the foundation of a building.
Culture shapes norms, values, institutions, and individual behavior.
- Culture is like the design and body of a building.
Agency refers to the ability of individuals to act on their world and make choices.
- Individuals create and remake the world around them.
- Agency challenges the idea that individuals are simply bound by social structures.

Social Interactions are influenced by:
- Subjectivity: Individuals interpret interactions based on their own positions and experiences.
- Norms and values: Shared beliefs and customs influence how individuals perceive actions.

Statuses: Social positions that come with sets of expected behaviors.
- Examples: student, son, parent.
Roles: The specific behaviors associated with a given status.
- A government official's role is to address the people's needs.
Groups: At least two individuals interacting based on their roles and statuses.
- Examples: teachers and students.
Institutions: Established patterns of social interaction based on roles, statuses, and groups.
- Examples: family, education, government.

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Description

Explore how surplus production influences human societies both positively and negatively, addressing social divisions and inequality. Additionally, delve into the emergence of early civilizations and the various theories explaining the rise of the state, including divine right and force theory.