Title: The Original Affluent Society: Exploring the View of Hunters and Gatherers

Introduction:

In his seminal article "The Original Affluent Society," anthropologist Marshall Sahlins challenges the
conventional notion that hunters and gatherers lived in a state of deprivation and constant struggle for
survival. Sahlins argues that these societies were, in fact, affluent in terms of their material well-being,
social relationships, and ecological balance. This essay aims to elucidate Sahlins' view by examining key
aspects of hunter-gatherer societies, including their economic system, leisure time, social organization,
and relationship with the environment.

The Economic System of Hunter-Gatherer Societies:

Hunter-gatherer societies employed a flexible economic system that allowed them to effectively meet
their needs while avoiding excessive work. Unlike agricultural societies, which require continuous labor
to maintain crops, hunters and gatherers relied on a diverse range of resources available in their
environment. They utilized their intricate knowledge of local ecosystems to harvest wild plants and
animals, ensuring a reliable and varied food supply. The absence of a need for constant production
meant that hunters and gatherers spent less time on subsistence activities than their agrarian
counterparts. Leisure Time and the Pursuit of Cultural Activities:

Contrary to the assumption that hunter-gatherers led lives of constant toil, Sahlins contends that these
societies enjoyed ample leisure time. With fewer hours devoted to procuring food, hunters and
gatherers were able to engage in various cultural activities that enriched their lives. They engaged in
storytelling, music, dance, and artistic expression, which played vital roles in their social cohesion and
transmission of knowledge across generations. The abundance of free time fostered creativity and the
development of complex social and cultural systems.

Social Organization and Distribution of Resources:

Hunter-gatherer societies were characterized by egalitarian social structures that promoted cooperation
and sharing. Resources were typically distributed equally within the group, ensuring a sense of
community and reducing the risk of individual deprivation. In the absence of surplus accumulation and
private property, social inequalities were minimized. This equitable distribution system contributed to
the overall well-being and satisfaction of individuals within these societies.

Environmental Awareness and Sustainability:

The original affluent society

The Sahlins argues that hunter-gatherers were the original affluent society because they had access to an
abundance of resources, and did not have to work excessively to meet their needs. He suggests that the
conventional view that hunter-gatherers were poor and constantly struggling to survive is incorrect.
According to Sahlins, the key to understanding the affluence of hunter-gatherer societies is their low
level of material wants. He argues that hunter-gatherers had a limited set of needs, and their culture did
not promote the accumulation of material possessions. Therefore, they did not have to work long hours
to produce surplus goods that they did not need. Sahlins also suggests that the mobility of hunter-
gatherer societies allowed them to avoid the accumulation of possessions. Since they had to move
frequently, they could not accumulate large amounts of material goods, as they would have to carry
them with them. This further reduced their material wants and made it easier for them to meet their
basic needs. Sahlins argues that the low level of material wants in huntergatherer societies allowed them
to have a high level of leisure time. They did not have to work long hours to meet their basic needs, and
they had plenty of time for leisure activities, such as storytelling, music, and dance. This allowed them to
develop rich cultural traditions and maintain social cohesion.

Critiques of Sahlins’ View

While Sahlins’ view that hunter-gatherers were the original affluent society has been influential, it has
also been subject to critique. Some scholars argue that his view is based on a romanticized view of
hunter-gatherer societies and that it ignores the harsh realities of life in these societies. For example,
hunter-gatherers faced the constant threat of starvation, especially in times of drought or when food
resources were scarce. They also had to deal with the dangers of hunting and the risks of being attacked
by wild animals. In addition, they had limited access to medical care, and diseases could spread rapidly in
small groups. Furthermore, the view that hunter-gatherers had a low level of material wants has been
challenged. Some scholars argue that hunter-gatherers had a desire for material possessions, but they
had limited opportunities to acquire them. For example,some hunter-gatherer societies had a strong
desire for decorative objects, such as beads and shells, which were traded over long distances. This
suggests that the desire for material possessions is not unique to modern societies, but rather a
universal human trait. Additionally, it has been suggested that the view of huntergatherers as the
original affluent society is limited to certain regions and periods in history. For example, while some
huntergatherer societies had access to abundant resources, others were forced to live in marginal
environments where resources were scarce. In these societies, people had to work harder to meet their
basic needs and were not able to enjoy the same level of leisure time as those in more resource-rich
environments. Moreover, the idea that hunter-gatherer societies were egalitarian has also been
challenged. While some societies had relatively equal access to resources, others were characterized by
social stratification and inequality. For example, some societies had powerful leaders or chiefs who
controlled access to resources and enjoyed a higher standard of living than ordinary members of the
society.

lessons from Sahlins' analysis of hunting and gathering societies

There are several lessons that we can learn from Sahlins' analysis of hunting and gathering societies.
Firstly, it highlights the importance of cultural practices, social cohesion, and cooperation in sustaining a
community's well-being. The absence of social stratification and wealth disparities in hunting and
gathering societies challenges the notion that inequality is inevitable or necessary for economic
development. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for a sustainable relationship with the environment,
where resources are managed carefully and in a way that does not deplete or harm the ecosystem. This
has significant implications for modern societies, where overconsumption and environmental
degradation have become pressing concerns. Thirdly, it challenges the consumerist culture and the
constant pursuit of material wealth and possessions as the primary source of happiness and fulfillment,
and instead emphasizes the value of leisure, social relationships, and cultural practices in human well-
being.

Conclusion:

Sahlins' analysis of hunting and gathering societies challenges the traditional view of these societies as
primitive or impoverished, and instead presents them as affluent societies with their own unique
economic system, social organization, and cultural practices. The concept of affluence in these societies
is based on their ability to meet their needs while maintaining a balanced relationship with their
environment, their high degree of social cohesion and cooperation, their adaptability and flexibility in
economic activities, and their emphasis on cultural richness and leisure. The lessons we can learn from
these societies have significant implications for modern societies, as they challenge the dominant
narrative of progress and development, and highlight the value of sustainability, community, and cultural
practices in human well-being.