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Hunter-Gatherer Societies: their Diversity and Evolutionary Processes

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  • Svizzero, Serge
  • Tisdell, Clem

Abstract

It is argued that attributes which have been widely used to typify hunter-gatherer societies are inadequate for several reasons. One is that they fail to capture the full extent of the diversity of these societies. We suggest some additional attributes which should be taken into account in characterizing these societies. Linear (unidirectional) models of the development of prehistoric societies are criticized and multi-linear models are discussed. Currently, three main stereotypes of the nature of hunter-gatherer societies exist. While these indicate that they were diverse, they fail to capture the full extent of their diversity. It is suggested that this diversity increased with the passage of time and was shaped by the varied local eco-geographic conditions (local resource endowments) in which these societies existed. This raises the question of whether this development had the same basis as speciation in the biological theory of natural selection. This is discussed and then particular attention is given to Adam Smith’s vision of the evolution of human societies. In conclusion, it is suggested that the evolutionary path of modern societies has diverged from that of prehistoric societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Svizzero, Serge & Tisdell, Clem, 2014. "Hunter-Gatherer Societies: their Diversity and Evolutionary Processes," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 183259, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uqseee:183259
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.183259
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    1. Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "Resource Entitlements of Indigenous Minorities, Their Poverty and Conservation of Nature: Status of Australian Aborigines, Comparisons with India's Tribals, Theory and Changing Policies Globally," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55061, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    2. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2004. "Comparative Public Support for Conserving Reptile Species is High: Australian Evidence and its Implications," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51412, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    3. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2005. "Dynamic Processes in the Contingent Valuation of an Endangered Mammal Species," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55064, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    4. Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "Knowledge about a Species' Conservation Status and Funding for its Preservation: Analysis," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55088, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    5. Bandara, Ranjith & Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "The History and Value of the Elephant in Sri Lankan Society," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55092, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    6. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo, 2004. "Antarctic Tourists, Wildlife and the Environment: Attractions and Reactions to Antarctica," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51295, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    7. Tisdell, Clement A. & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2005. "Management, Conservation and Farming of Saltwater Crocodiles: An Australian Case Study of Sustainable Commercial Use," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55068, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    8. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2005. "A Report on the Management of Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Northern Territory: Results of a Survey of Pastoralists," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55089, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    9. Clement A. Tisdell, 2013. "Competition, Diversity and Economic Performance," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 13026.
    10. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo, 2004. "Information and Wildlife Valuation: Experiments and Policy," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51409, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    11. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo, 2004. "Birds in an Australian Rainforest: Their Attraction for Visitors and Visitor's Ecological Impacts," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51296, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    12. Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "The Environment and the Selection of Aquaculture Species and Systems: An Economic Analysis," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55091, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    13. Clevo Wilson & Clem Tisdell, 2007. "How Knowledge Affects Payment To Conserve An Endangered Bird," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 25(2), pages 226-237, April.
    14. Tisdell, Clement A., 2005. "Economic Incentives for Global Conservation of Wildlife: New International Policy Directions," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55060, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    15. Easterly, William & Levine, Ross, 2003. "Tropics, germs, and crops: how endowments influence economic development," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 3-39, January.
    16. Tisdell, Clement A., 2006. "Global Property Rights in Genetic Resources: An Economic Assessment," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55095, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    17. Clem Tisdell & Hemanath Swarna Nantha, 2008. "Public attitudes to the use of wildlife by Aboriginal Australians: marketing of wildlife and its conservation," International Journal of Green Economics, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 2(1), pages 108-122.
    18. Tisdell, Clement A., 2004. "Nature-based Tourism and the Valuation of its Environmental Resources: Economic and Other Aspects," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51297, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    19. Tisdell, Clement A. & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2005. "Comparison of Funding and Demand for the Conservation of the Charismatic Koala with those for the Critically Endangered Wombat Lasiorhinus krefftii," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55067, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    20. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Swarna, 2005. "Crocodiles Farms and the Management of Saltwater Crocodiles in the Northern Territory: Results of a Survey of NT Crocodile Farmers plus Analysis of Secondary Information," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55090, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    21. Tisdell, Clement A. & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath & Wilson, Clevo, 2004. "Endangerment and Likeability of Wildlife Species: How Important are they for Proposed Payments for Conservation," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51419, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    22. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2004. "Dependence of public support for survival of wildlife species on their likeability," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51413, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    23. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo, 2004. "Economics, Wildlife Tourism and Conservation: Three Case Studies," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51416, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    24. Wilson, Clevo & Tisdell, Clement A. & Merritt, David, 2004. "Glow Worms as a Tourist Attraction in Springbrook National Park: Visitor Attitudes and Economic Issues," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51298, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    25. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2004. "Public Support for Sustainable Commercial Harvesting of Wildlife: An Australian Case Study," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51418, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    26. Clem Tisdell, 2005. "Linking Policies For Biodiversity Conservation With Advances In Behavioral Economics," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 50(spec0), pages 449-462.
    27. Tisdell, Clement A., 2006. "Poverty, Political Failure and the Use of Open Access Resources in Developing Countries," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 55094, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    28. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2004. "Dynamic Processes in Contingent Valuation: A Case Study Involving the Mahogany Glider," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51414, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    29. Lyster, Thorbjorn, 2004. "What are the Economic Prospects of Developing Aquaculture in Queensland to Supply the Low Price White Fillet Market? Lessons from the US Channel Catfish Industry," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51410, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
    30. Tisdell, Clement A. & Wilson, Clevo & Swarna Nantha, Hemanath, 2004. "Australian Tropical Reptile Species: Ecological Status, Public Valuation and Attitudes to their Conservation and Commercial Use," Economics, Ecology and Environment Working Papers 51408, University of Queensland, School of Economics.
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