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.