In discussions about the origins of patriarchy, many individuals challenge the notion that it emerged only 6,000 to 9,000 years ago. Prior to this period, human societies predominantly functioned in egalitarian frameworks, as seen in hunter-gatherer and early agricultural communities like Çatalhöyük. This perspective is widely accepted among anthropologists, yet some critics fail to grasp the true meaning of 'egalitarianism,' which warrants further clarification.

Across various modern hunter-gatherer societies, egalitarianism serves as a common thread, though their cultures may differ. This concept does not imply absolute equality or a utopian ideal; rather, it denotes the absence of centralized authority and a fundamental respect for personal autonomy. Family connections and group welfare are also central to these communities. Even when men wield more influence, a balance often exists between genders.

Egalitarianism, especially within hunter-gatherer societies, extends beyond the Western interpretation of equal opportunity. For instance, Australian Aboriginal societies, while exhibiting some hierarchical structures and allowing for more violence than typical foragers, are still recognized for their egalitarian principles. They lack chiefs or centralized governance, and despite certain inequalities, a classless ethos prevails.

Researchers studying hunter-gatherer groups consistently emphasize the high value placed on individual autonomy. This autonomy diverges from the individualism prevalent in modern capitalist societies, which often fosters competition for resources. Instead, as Tim Ingold (1999) highlights, the autonomy of hunter-gatherers fosters connections among individuals without creating dependencies. They can make choices about daily activities, provided they adhere to communal norms. For example, an individual can choose whether to join a hunting party or stay behind.

This autonomy is closely linked to what Richard Lee (1988) describes as "fierce egalitarianism." It signifies that no one possesses more material wealth than others, everyone’s needs hold equal importance, and no one perceives themselves as superior. Although some individuals may excel in specific skills, such as hunting, overt displays of superiority are generally frowned upon.

Gender roles do exist in foraging cultures, but they are not rigidly enforced. Due to the strong emphasis on personal autonomy, individuals often engage in roles that benefit the community's well-being. In groups that hunt large game, men typically take the lead, yet roles remain flexible.

In Australian Aboriginal culture, labor division is often sex-based, with men hunting large animals while women gather plant-based foods. However, both genders possess diverse skills essential for survival and can thrive independently when necessary. Moreover, women's roles have traditionally encompassed vital responsibilities within the community, often granting them significant political, social, and economic influence.

Most North American tribes, despite having chiefs and centralized leadership, maintain egalitarian principles. This may be influenced by agricultural practices or interactions with non-nomadic tribes over centuries. Women often performed roles deemed masculine by European standards, reflecting their cultures' values of reciprocity and balance.

Kinship and clan ties foster mutual obligations and respect, with lineage defining status and responsibilities. Men generally engaged in hunting and defense, while women managed domestic affairs and held ownership of property and resources, thereby possessing substantial political influence.

Critics frequently cite arranged marriages as a challenge to the egalitarian nature of many indigenous tribes. While some cultures do arrange early marriages for girls, this differs significantly from patriarchal child marriages. In Aboriginal cultures, marriage is viewed through the lens of kinship and communal obligations rather than mere individual contracts.

The relationship dynamics in these cultures involve long-term responsibilities between partners and their families, with no guarantees that a marriage will proceed as planned. Both parties retain the right to renegotiate or decline arrangements, and divorce is accepted.

This contrasts sharply with patriarchal societies where girls often have little agency in marriage decisions. Though variations exist among egalitarian societies, a commitment to personal autonomy ensures that girls are not treated as possessions.

Egalitarianism does not equate to absolute equality. Foragers are deemed egalitarian not because men and women possess identical rights or power, but due to a socio-political structure that eschews permanent leaders. In these societies, leaders emerge as needed, and group decisions prioritize communal welfare.

The absence of social stratification, significant wealth gaps, and the lack of intimidation-based power structures characterize egalitarian cultures. As primatologist Frans de Waal notes in War, Peace, and Human Nature, cooperation enhances group stability and efficiency, a strategy beneficial to human survival.

Many anthropologists assert that overcoming dominance hierarchies was crucial for human behavioral adaptation, enabling survival in challenging environments. This social system, prevalent for the vast majority of human history, began to diminish with the rise of agriculture—a topic explored in-depth elsewhere.

Moreover, the contact between indigenous cultures and Western patriarchal societies has influenced the evolution of egalitarian practices. Dr. Peter Grey points out that misunderstandings persist about hunter-gatherer societies, often conflating them with primitive agricultural groups.

Notably, the Yanomami, often misrepresented as hunter-gatherers by Napoleon Chagnon, have been agricultural for centuries, relying heavily on cultivated crops for sustenance. Historical traumas inflicted by colonial powers have undoubtedly shaped their social dynamics.

Numerous anthropologists have documented the remarkable equality, cooperation, and community-oriented values in hunter-gatherer societies. Mischaracterizations of "warlike primitive tribes" or cultures with severe gender disparities do not accurately reflect these groups.

While not all indigenous cultures exhibit identical traits, a strong egalitarian ethos remains prevalent among those untouched by Western influence. This ethos is not merely an ideal but a crucial survival strategy for our species, emphasizing the importance of understanding how hierarchical systems arose.

Recognizing the historical shift from egalitarianism to class-based societies can inform efforts to cultivate a more equitable modern world. Misunderstandings surrounding the meanings of terms like 'egalitarian' hinder productive discourse aimed at social improvement.

© Copyright Elle Beau 2022