The Evolution of Social Institutions
The Evolution of Social Institutions

Author: Dmitri M. Bondarenko

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-09-12

Total Pages: 662

ISBN-13: 3030514374

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This book presents a novel and innovative approach to the study of social evolution using case studies from the Old and the New World, from prehistory to the present. This approach is based on examining social evolution through the evolution of social institutions. Evolution is defined as the process of structural change. Within this framework the society, or culture, is seen as a system composed of a vast number of social institutions that are constantly interacting and changing. As a result, the structure of society as a whole is also evolving and changing. The authors posit that the combination of evolving social institutions explains the non-linear character of social evolution and that every society develops along its own pathway and pace. Within this framework, society should be seen as the result of the compound effect of the interactions of social institutions specific to it. Further, the transformation of social institutions and relations between them is taking place not only within individual societies but also globally, as institutions may be trans-societal, and even institutions that operate in one society can arise as a reaction to trans-societal trends and demands. The book argues that it may be more productive to look at institutions even within a given society as being parts of trans-societal systems of institutions since, despite their interconnectedness, societies still have boundaries, which their members usually know and respect. Accordingly, the book is a must-read for researchers and scholars in various disciplines who are interested in a better understanding of the origins, history, successes and failures of social institutions.

From House Societies to States
From House Societies to States

Author: Juan Carlos Moreno Garcia

Publisher: Oxbow Books

Published: 2022-10-21

Total Pages: 492

ISBN-13: 1789258634

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The organization and characteristics of early and ancient states have become the focus of a renewed interest from archaeologists, ancient historians and anthropologists in recent years. On the one hand, neo-evolutionary schemas of political transformation find it difficult to define some of their most basic concepts, such as ‘chiefdom’, ‘complex chiefdom’ and ‘state’, not to mention the transition between them. On the other hand, teleological interpretations based on linear dynamics, from less to increasingly more complex political structures, in successive steps, impose biased and too rigid views on the available evidence. In fact, recent research stresses the existence of other forms of socio-political organization, less vertically integrated and more heterarchical, that proved highly successful and resilient in the long term in tying together social groups. What is more, such forms quite often represented the basic blocks on which states were built and that managed to survive once states collapsed. Finally, nomadic, maritime and mountain populations provide fascinating examples of societies that experienced alternative forms of political organization, sometimes on a seasonal basis. In other cases, their consideration as ‘marginal’ populations that cultivated specialized skills ensured them a certain degree of autonomy when living either within or at the borders of states. This book explores such small-scale socio-political organizations, their potential and the historical trajectories they stimulated. A selection of historical case studies from different regions of the world may help rethink current concepts and views about the emergence and organization of political complexity and the mechanisms that prevented, occasionally, the emergence of solid polities. They may also cast some light over trajectories of historical transformation, still poorly understood as are the limits of effective state power. This book explores the importance of comparative research and long-term historical perspectives to avoid simplistic interpretations, based on the characteristics of modern Western states abusively used retrospectively.

Minoan Archaeology
Minoan Archaeology

Author: Sarah Cappel

Publisher: Presses universitaires de Louvain

Published: 2015-10-14

Total Pages: 400

ISBN-13: 2875583948

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More than 100 years ago Sir Arthur Evans' spade made the first cut into the earth above the now well-known Palace at Knossos. His research saw the birth of a new discipline: Minoan Archaeology. The present volume aim to outline current trends and prospects of this scientific field.

Chiefdom
Chiefdom

Author: Fouad Sabry

Publisher: One Billion Knowledgeable

Published: 2024-10-17

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13:

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Explore the intricate world of chiefdoms in "Chiefdom," a vital addition to the Political Science series. This volume provides a thorough analysis of the political and social structures defining chiefdoms, focusing on governance, hierarchy, and cultural dynamics. A must-read for professionals, students, and enthusiasts, this book enhances understanding of chiefdoms in historical and contemporary contexts. 1: Chiefdom: Discover the core concepts of chiefdoms, including governance structures and societal roles. 2: Civilization: Examine the relationship between chiefdoms and early civilizations, highlighting their contributions. 3: Tribe: Delve into distinctions and connections between tribes and chiefdoms, showcasing social variations. 4: Nomad: Investigate the influence of nomadic lifestyles on the formation and sustainability of chiefdoms. 5: Heterarchy: Understand heterarchy in chiefdoms, where multiple hierarchies create unique dynamics. 6: Pre-industrial Society: Analyze chiefdoms' roles in pre-industrial societies and their influence before industrialization. 7: Andrey Korotayev: Gain insights into Korotayev's theories and contributions to chiefdom studies. 8: Leonid Grinin: Explore Grinin's framework for understanding the development and function of chiefdoms. 9: Dmitri Bondarenko: Discover Bondarenko's analysis and impact on political science through his research. 10: Robert L. Carneiro: Learn about Carneiro's circumscription theory and its implications for chiefdoms. 11: Complex Society: Examine chiefdoms' role in the evolution of complex societies. 12: Eurasian Nomads: Explore the interactions between Eurasian nomads and chiefdoms in social structures. 13: Circumscription Theory: Delve into the circumscription theory and its relevance to chiefdom studies. 14: Social Evolution & History: Investigate how chiefdoms inform our understanding of social evolution and history. 15: Timothy Pauketat: Learn about Pauketat's theoretical contributions to chiefdom studies. 16: Nikolay Kradin: Explore Kradin’s theories related to chiefdoms and their significance. 17: Homoarchy: Understand homoarchy and its relevance to chiefdom hierarchies. 18: Cliodynamics: Discover cliodynamics and its application to chiefdom analysis. 19: Tessaleno Devezas: Explore Devezas' insights into chiefdoms and contributions to political science. 20: World-System: Examine chiefdoms within the context of world-system theory. 21: Henri J. M. Claessen: Gain an understanding of Claessen’s work on chiefdoms and political structures. "Chiefdom" is more than a book; it’s a comprehensive guide, providing insights and answers to key questions about chiefdoms, enriching your perspective on this fascinating subject.