what ate the main characteristics of a hunter-gatherer society

what ate the main characteristics of a hunter-gatherer society?how do these societies differ from agricultural societies in terms of social structure?

The correct answer and explanation is :

Hunter-gatherer societies are characterized by a subsistence strategy based on the collection of wild plants and the hunting of animals, rather than the domestication of plants and animals. The main characteristics of hunter-gatherer societies include:

1. Nomadic lifestyle: Hunter-gatherers often move from place to place in search of food, following the availability of resources. They do not settle in one area permanently, unlike agricultural societies that establish permanent settlements.
2. Small, mobile groups: These societies typically consist of small bands or tribes, with few members—often fewer than 100 individuals—because of the need to move frequently and the limitations of carrying large amounts of food.
3. Egalitarian social structure: There is often a lack of formal hierarchy or class divisions. Social equality is a key feature, with resources and food shared among members. Leadership, when it exists, is typically informal and based on experience, wisdom, or skills rather than inherited power.
4. Subsistence economy: Food procurement is based on direct interaction with the environment through hunting, fishing, and gathering. There is minimal surplus production, as these societies rely on immediate food needs and do not engage in long-term storage or surplus agriculture.
5. Minimal material possessions: Due to their mobile nature, hunter-gatherers generally own few material possessions. Tools and belongings are lightweight and necessary for survival.

Differences from Agricultural Societies:

Agricultural societies, in contrast, engage in crop cultivation and domestication of animals, leading to several key differences in social structure:

1. Sedentary lifestyle: Agricultural societies establish permanent settlements, leading to the development of towns and cities.
2. Complex social hierarchies: The rise of surplus food production enables the development of specialized roles (e.g., artisans, traders, and religious leaders) and stratification into different classes (e.g., elites, peasants, and slaves). This creates a more rigid social structure compared to the egalitarian nature of hunter-gatherer societies.
3. Surplus production: Agricultural societies produce surplus food, which supports population growth and the division of labor. This surplus can be stored, traded, or taxed, further reinforcing social inequalities and the development of governance structures.

In essence, while hunter-gatherer societies are defined by mobility, egalitarianism, and subsistence living, agricultural societies are characterized by sedentism, complex social stratification, and surplus production.