The Tsimané people in Bolivia consider humility to be a sign of a worthwhile individual
David Mercado/Reuters
It is a common misconception that hunter-gatherer societies operate on principles of equality and altruism, with members sharing resources equally among the group. However, a recent review of anthropological evidence challenges this notion.
Anthropologist Chris von Rueden from the University of Richmond, Virginia, asserts that true equality does not exist in any society. What may appear as equal distribution of wealth in traditional subsistence societies is often driven by practicality or self-interest rather than a genuine desire for equality.
While some researchers have romanticized the idea of egalitarianism in traditional cultures, von Rueden and his colleague Duncan Stibbard Hawkes from Durham University suggest that the emphasis on equality in these societies may stem from individual concerns about personal autonomy rather than a commitment to egalitarian values.
For example, the Mbendjele community in the Republic of the Congo has a grievance process called mosambo, where individuals can voice their rights being violated, highlighting a focus on individual autonomy and freedom of choice.
Anthropologist Manvir Singh from the University of California, Davis, agrees that societies built on protecting individual autonomy may exhibit characteristics of equality, not out of altruism but as a means to prevent coercion and maintain individual freedoms.
The researchers also suggest that the sharing of resources in these societies may be driven by self-interested motives, such as avoiding persistent demands for food or gaining status as a cooperative member of the community.
In traditional societies like the Tsimané people in Bolivia, humility and helpfulness are valued traits that contribute to an individual’s worthiness. This emphasis on community-minded behavior may create an illusion of equality within these societies.
Anthropologist Jerome Lewis from University College London applauds the study for debunking the myth of the “noble savage” and showcasing the diverse ways in which traditional societies navigate issues of equality, hierarchy, and justice. He believes that these societies offer valuable lessons on alternative cultural and social structures.
Overall, the study sheds light on the complex nature of equality in traditional subsistence societies and challenges preconceived notions of altruism and egalitarianism in hunter-gatherer communities.
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