Then & Now: Philosophy, History & Politics
Is Equality Natural?
Oct 22, 2021
Exploring the concept of equality in different societies throughout history, discussing various tribes and their beliefs and practices regarding equality. Also touches on the transition from hunter-gatherer communities to civilizations and the philosophical perspectives of John Locke, Hobbes, and Prudeon. It examines how the majority uses cultural tools to keep the powerful in check, the effects of status on conversations and the detrimental effects of inequality.
20:09
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Quick takeaways
- Hunter-gatherer societies exhibited a commitment to egalitarianism, with participatory decision making and an insistence on the equal rights of all members.
- Alongside the capacity for domination, humans also possess a desire for rebellion, indicating a universal drive towards justice and fairness.
Deep dives
Egalitarianism in Hunter-Gatherer Societies
Before the rise of civilization, hunter-gatherer societies exhibited a resolute commitment to egalitarianism. Decision making was participatory, domination was intolerable, and freedom was highly valued. These egalitarian practices were observed in various hunter-gatherer tribes across continents, suggesting a universal inclination towards equality. Anthropologist Christopher Boem describes their approach as a 'reverse domination hierarchy,' where no single individual could dominate the entire community. Leaders were seen as first among equals, and arrogance or aggression was prohibited. Equality was not merely the absence of authority figures, but a positive insistence on the equal rights of all members of the community.
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