Sapiens PDF

Sapiens Humans have the ability of abstract thinking. The hierarchies are based on imaginary orders and chance historical situations. The hierarchies are not fair or just. they were constructed to organize society and help its members to function together an...

Sapiens Humans have the ability of abstract thinking. The hierarchies are based on imaginary orders and chance historical situations. The hierarchies are not fair or just. they were constructed to organize society and help its members to function together and organize power structures We need to be aware of these The Agricultural Revolution (The prehistoric transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture and the later new farming techniques leading to a spike in population and increased health. In short: more people to provide for. One of the earliest proof of establishing hierarchy is Hammurabi's code (1792 to 1750 BC). The code organised economy, trade, and laws to create an organised society, a feeling of justice providing power to a select few. USA 776. The Declaration of Independence also established a “pecking order”. “Equality of all men” (not women, black or native Americans) The idea of establishing a pecking order can be found all over the world. How Hierarchies were explained 1. Religion (God decided the order, a goddess made people different) 2. Biological differences (Some people are biologically adapted to be slaves) 3. Financial differences (Wealthy people are more capable and diligent than poor and they deserve to have a better life) 4. Cosmic forces (Hindu) Ruling classes have enforced political and social division to maintain power. One important factor in their reasoning is the fear of “pollution” In India the caste system, organizing people in different stratospheres (layers) still exist because of the idea that groups in the lower part of the hierarchy pollute groups higher up in the hierarchy. This idea originated 3000 years ago. The conquerors of America brought slaves from Africa for practical reasons: 1. It is geographically closer to America 2. Africa had well-developed slave trade 3. Africans had developed a partial immunity to malaria and yellow fever, and they could stand the climate better than europeans They were considered socially inferior even though they were genetically superior. African slaves were a better economic investment.  Religion (Europeans were more pious, following God's bidding. Black people were cursed to be slaves). Biology (Biologist stated that black people were less intelligent and had a less developed moral sense. They were filthy and spread diseases polluting the purity of the white) These racist myths remained even after the abolition of slavery to uphold the power structure. Racist legislation and social custom remained upholding a vicious circle Black families were less educated than most white families. The children of black families started life with the same disadvantage. Industrial revolution and immigration could have blurred the racial divide, but money was not the only thing that mattered. Racial myths were upheld when the best jobs were held by whites, no black professors existed, and blacks were generally less educated. These factors were taken as proof of black inferiority. The circle repeats itself. 1865: The Abolition of Slavery 1876-1965 laws of segregation. Black and white were not allowed to use the same facilities such as restaurants, shops, hotels, schools and more Not allowed to vote Black people did not get the well-paid jobs because they were not well educated. Black people could not send their children to universities for financial reasons which led to their children not getting the well-paid jobs Out of poverty black people committed crimes and used violence which led to the idea that black people were violent criminals Since they did not have the well-paid jobs, and had a higher crime rate they must be less intelligent, lazy and violent. this meant that it was no idea to let them study, vote or partake in the same activities as whites Whites must be protected against black, Keep all blacks to themselves. “A chance historical situation is translated to a rigid social system” Misogyny (Kvinnohat) work, sport, home, legislation Xenophobia (Främlingsfientlighet). People living in the segregated areas in Sweden “pollute” the Swedish society. Socioeconomic factors. (Socioeconomic). Your social background and economy. Sex is biological (Chromosomes a.s.o) Gender is a cultural category. (Society's imagined order)  In most human societies men got the better deal. (They are a few matriarchal societies in history) Why should men be leaders and dominate empires? (Masculine Dominance explained). 1. Muscle power (strength) 2. “The Scum of Society” (Aggression. Men are more willing to engage in physical violence like war). 3. Patriarchal Genes. (Men compete, are more ambitious and aggressive) Empire: A political order with two characteristics. 1. To rule over a significant number of distinct peoples 2. Cultural diversity and flexible borders It is a very stable form of government The dominant culture actively spread a common culture which led to: 1. A reduction of human diversity, simplifying trade and other contacts making life easier for both the dominant culture and subject people. 2. To gain legitimacy it was necessary that the dominant culture also made sure the subject people benefited: law enforcement, urban planning., standardisation of weights and measures. (to organise society) The imperial Cycle 1. A group establishes an empire 2. A culture is forged 3. The new culture is adopted by the subject people 4. The subject people demand equal status 5. The founders lose their dominance 6. The imperial culture flourish The test The questions will not include details, but you have to understand and be able to explain the major concepts: The vicious circle Purity and Pollution Sex and Gender (and how misogyny is explained) Empire The imperial cycle