1. Fisher-Hunter-Gatherer Complexity in North America.
- Author
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Hayden, Brian
- Subjects
- *
COOPERATION , *WEALTH inequality , *INCOME inequality , *PRIVATE property , *ANCESTOR worship , *HUNTER-gatherer societies , *WORLDVIEW - Abstract
The book "Fisher-Hunter-Gatherer Complexity in North America" edited by Christina Perry Sampson explores the concept of complexity among hunter-gatherer societies in North America. The book challenges the traditional binary categorization of simple vs. complex hunter-gatherers and argues for a more nuanced understanding of variability within these societies. The authors emphasize that complexity should not be limited to socioeconomic aspects but should also include other domains such as worldviews, ritual, knowledge, and historical trajectories. However, the reviewer disagrees with the book's premise and argues that complexity should primarily be understood in terms of socioeconomic inequalities. The reviewer also critiques the book for oversimplifying the ethnographic record and creating strawman arguments. Overall, the book does not offer new perspectives but instead attacks traditional concepts of complexity. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
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