Question

What are 2 examples of contemporary hunter-gatherer societies?

How do hunters and gatherers view rights to land?

How do hunters and gatherers view rights to property, such as tools or personal possessions?

What evidence suggests that hunter-gatherer societies have a conservationist ethic?

What can an industrial, modern society learn from hunter-gatherer societies?

Answer 1

Hunter gatherers or foragers refers to humans living in societies where most are all food required for subsistence is obtained buy collection of wild plants hunting down of wild animals referred to as foraging. There are contrast to Agricultural society which ruler mainly on cultivation of crops for food and domesticated species of animals for helping in their livelihood. The societies display characteristics of human society which existed centuries ago when it was the only mode of subsistence and food production was not available as an option. two examples of contemporary Hunter gatherer societies Mbuti of the Ituri forest in Central Africa and the San of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. The environment that they exist in is not conducive to agriculture.

As Hunter gatherers survive off the land Anna Nomadic semi nomadic in nature land is not viewed as a possession but rather a means of survival. The societies do not exhibit wealth differentiation and the importance of land is viewed as maintain hunting rights over maximum land areas rather than ownership. The confiscation of forest lands which were the subsistence for these societies has resulted in serious survival issue for these societies unable to become a part of modern day agricultural working society or survive on the depleted land area available to them. Land rights for them had always consisted of having the right to subsistence through hunting and gathering over an area of land not ownership rights to be obtained through registration with authorities for conservation of land use rights.

Hunters and gatherers being Nomadic or semi nomadic believed in having minimal possessions restricted to the bare Essentials for maintaining their livelihood. Personal possessions were held for utility with the individuals having absolute rights who were the tools which were mostly made by them or received in exchange for any favours granted. Within the society the right to property of every individual respected by others. Sharing and gifting is the mode for using what belongs to another.

Hunter gatherer societies have survived with minimal change and adaptation across centuries which could not have been possible without them practicing conservation to a great extent. Which is the greatest proof of them being conservationists. In no instance do hunter-gatherers exploit nature to an extent that it is destroyed and incapable of renewing itself. this image respect an inbuilt Instinct for protection and conservation of the natural environment has enabled them to retain the mode of livelihood in spite of exceptional diversionary and convergent development all around them. This is a behavioural approach which is inculcated within children and has become a hereditary trait among the society.

An industrial modern society can learn great lessons in conservation of natural environment and resources which phone part of humans existence from Hunter gatherer societies along with compassionate nature based upon caring and sharing rather than stealing and snatching. The importance of inculcating the right values in children so as they become responsible adults carrying forward the culture of the society is another important lesson. Conservation of environment needs to be taught early in order to be applied and followed throughout life.