1. 2.5 Global Social Structures
The Emergence of Civilization | BCE

2. Similarities and Differences
Humans will all categories people in society based on their roles or importance for/to the society at large
The justification for these categories will vary greatly by culture/religion/etc

3. East Asia
Social structure in East Asia will have a clear social hierarchy
This will be based upon a service provided to the society at large
Leadership – administration of society
Economic stimulation – the engine that drives society
Labor pool – the muscle of society
Rights were assigned to a social status
Filial piety ensured that everyone respected their social superior

4. South and Southeast Asia
India would have the world’s most stable social structure
Based upon religion, people were locked in a rigid hierarchy
Dharma would dictate peoples’ roles for society
This led to a unique stabilizing effect
Buddhism would eliminate this social structure
The cost would be social withdrawal: Four Noble Truths

5. The Middle (Near) East
Early political developments assigned rights to a social status
Social roles were tied to an agrarian economy
Social status was based upon wealth: “(noble) eye for an (noble) eye”
A uniquely powerful religious elite developed from Mesopotamian culture
Angry, powerful gods that needed appeasing/respect

6. Africa
Egyptian social structure was influenced by a powerful government
Strong bureaucratic leadership
Led to social stability
Rare cases of social unrest
The government provided for its people
Pyramids built by contracted (paid) labor

7. Europe Indo-European tribal communities
Patriarchal, with basic social structure
Minoan civilization
Heavily influenced by Egyptian culture
Resembled their social structure

8. The Americas
Chiefdoms functioned similar to clan-based tribes of Europe
Agricultural communities necessitated a clear social hierarchy
An educated elite class developed to assist growing communities
A bureaucratic class developed to administer eventual kingdoms

9. Recommended Resources
Independent research
Be sure to cite with Chicago Manual of Style with footnotes.1
Suggested reading
Human Legacy.2 Make sure the title of the text is in italics (see below).
These notes
When pulling information directly from me, cite me as a source, the slide title, and the title of the presentation in italics.3
1 Use this website to easily cite your source
2 Human Legacy, pages 1-10.
3 Mr. Geier, Political Systems, 2.1 East Asia.