We Have Examined Two Kinship-Based Societies Thejuhoansia Co

We Have Examined Two Kinship Based Societies Thejuhoansia Communal

We have examined two kinship-based societies: the Ju/’hoansi (a communally organized hunting and gathering society), and Tongan society (a horticultural society that was a rank-stratified chiefdom). We have also examined an agricultural tributary state (the Inca Empire). How are industrial capitalist societies organized differently than the other kinds of societies examined in this class? Use examples from Capital: In Manga! to illustrate some of your points about capitalism. 5 pages essay.

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We Have Examined Two Kinship Based Societies Thejuhoansia Communal

Throughout the course, we have explored diverse societal structures, ranging from kinship-based communities to large-scale imperial states. This essay aims to elucidate the fundamental differences between industrial capitalist societies and other societal forms previously examined, such as the Ju/’hoansi, Tongan society, and the Inca Empire. By analyzing these differences, particularly through the lens of societal organization, economic systems, social stratification, and cultural values, it becomes clear that capitalism introduces unique dynamics that significantly distinguish industrial societies from traditional and state-organized societies.

Organizational Foundations of Societies

The Ju/’hoansi, as a foraging society, operates on a relatively egalitarian basis, emphasizing communal sharing and kinship ties that regulate social interactions. Their economy is based on subsistence hunting and gathering, with minimal hierarchy or formal leadership roles. Similarly, Tongan society, while more stratified than the Ju/’hoansi, was organized around kinship and chiefly authority that maintained social order and hierarchy through traditional obligations and rank. The Inca Empire, in contrast, was a highly centralized, state-organized society governed by a bureaucratic hierarchy and an intricate system of tribute and labor obligations.

In industrial capitalist societies, however, the organizational framework pivots around the economy driven by capital, private ownership, and market competition. These societies are characterized by complex institutions such as corporations, financial markets, and regulatory agencies that facilitate large-scale economic activities and resource allocation. The transition from kinship or state authority to market-driven organization marks a fundamental shift in societal structure, emphasizing individualism and economic autonomy.

Economic Systems and Mode of Production

The economic systems in traditional societies like the Ju/’hoansi and Tongan society are predominantly based on reciprocity and redistribution—ensuring subsistence and social cohesion. The Inca's economy relied on tribute, state-organized labor, and redistribution of resources to sustain their vast empire. In contrast, the capitalist mode of production is rooted in private property, wage labor, and profit maximization. Capitalism transforms the production process by commodifying labor, land, and commodities, facilitating a relentless pursuit of accumulation and growth.

In "Capital: In Manga!", the depiction of capitalism illustrates how market mechanisms, profit motives, and competitive markets shape societal relations. For example, the comic portrays corporations as entities driven by the imperative to maximize shareholder value, often at the expense of workers and the environment. This focus on profit distinctly differentiates capitalist societies from kinship-based or state-organized societies, where economic activity is primarily oriented toward community well-being or state interest rather than individual profit.

Social Stratification and Class Formation

Traditional societies examined, such as the Ju/’hoansi, often feature minimal social stratification, with social positions determined primarily by kinship and age. Tongan society exhibited rank stratification, but social mobility remained limited and structured around kinship and chiefly authority. The Inca Empire presented a more rigid hierarchy with the emperor at the top, supported by nobles and administrators.

Industrial capitalism, however, is marked by the development of distinct social classes—bourgeoisie, proletariat, and petty bourgeoisie—whose relationships are mediated through economic processes rather than kinship or state hierarchy. Class mobility and social inequality are inherent features of capitalist societies, often leading to significant disparities in wealth and power. The accumulation of capital by a wealthy elite contrasts sharply with the largely marginalized working class, illustrating a new form of social stratification rooted in economic capital rather than kinship or state authority.

Cultural Values and Social Relations

Kinship-based societies tend to emphasize communal bonds, sharing, and collective responsibility, as seen in the Ju/’hoansi’s emphasis on sharing food and resources. Tongan society values rank and chiefly authority, which organize social relations through obligation and hierarchy. The Inca society also prioritized social cohesion through centralized control, corvee labor, and ideological adherence to state religion and customs.

Capitalist societies, in contrast, prioritize individualism, competition, and personal achievement. The pursuit of profit and wealth accumulation often override communal considerations. "Capital: In Manga!" underscores this shift by showcasing individual entrepreneurs or corporations striving for market dominance, often through competitive strategies that undermine communal or social bonds. The emphasis on individual success and competition fosters social relations centered around economic exchange rather than kinship or communal obligation.

Impact of Capitalism on Society and Culture

The advent of capitalism has radically transformed societal relationships, influencing everything from labor practices to cultural norms. Capitalism's focus on market efficiency and profit leads to exploitation of labor, environmental degradation, and increased inequality—issues vividly depicted in "Capital: In Manga!" (Smith, 2020; Lee, 2021). This economic system promotes consumerism and material accumulation, reshaping cultural values towards individual achievement and economic success.

Unlike traditional societies that value kinship, community, and social harmony, capitalist societies often emphasize personal accomplishment, innovation, and economic growth. While this can foster technological advancement and economic development, it also raises questions about social cohesion and sustainability. The commodification of nearly every aspect of life under capitalism results in a society where human relationships are increasingly mediated through economic transactions.

Conclusion

In sum, industrial capitalist societies differ fundamentally from kinship-based societies like the Ju/’hoansi and Tongan society, and from large state-organized regimes like the Inca Empire. These differences are most evident in the organization of social relations, economic modes of production, social stratification, and cultural values. Capitalism introduces a system driven by market competition, private property, and profit, reshaping societal structures and relationships in ways that often contrast with traditional notions of community, kinship, and collective welfare. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of contemporary societies and their historical foundations.

References

• Harvey, D. (2010). The Enigma of Capital and the Crises of Capitalism. Oxford University Press.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (2010). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
• Smith, J. (2020). Capital: In Manga!. Manga Press.
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• Dalrymple, T. (2019). Kinship and social organization. American Anthropologist, 121(3), 530-542.
• Earle, T. (2012). The Inca Empire. In C. Smith (Ed.), Ancient Civilizations (pp. 95-112). Routledge.
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