Farming

Definition

Farming refers to the practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. In the context of social hierarchy, farming played a crucial role in establishing and reinforcing societal structures, as it influenced wealth distribution, labor specialization, and community organization. As agricultural practices evolved, so did the complexity of social systems that emerged around them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Farming allowed for the development of permanent settlements, which led to increased population density and the formation of more complex social structures.
2. Surplus production from farming enabled trade, leading to economic growth and the emergence of different social classes based on wealth and access to resources.
3. In Viking society, farming was essential not only for food production but also for social status, as land ownership could determine an individual’s rank within the hierarchy.
4. Seasonal cycles and environmental conditions played a significant role in agricultural practices, influencing when and how crops were planted and harvested.
5. The introduction of new farming techniques and tools over time contributed to improved productivity, which further shaped societal dynamics and class distinctions.

Review Questions

• How did farming contribute to the establishment of social hierarchies in ancient societies?
  • Farming played a key role in establishing social hierarchies by creating surplus food production, which allowed certain individuals or families to accumulate wealth. This wealth often translated into power and influence within the community, as those with more resources could hire laborers or control land. Consequently, a class system emerged where landowners occupied higher social status compared to subsistence farmers or laborers.
• Analyze how advancements in farming techniques impacted the social structure within Viking communities.
  • Advancements in farming techniques, such as improved plowing methods and crop rotation, significantly increased agricultural productivity in Viking communities. This surplus enabled some families to gain wealth and establish themselves as local leaders or chieftains, thus altering social dynamics. As certain individuals gained more resources through successful farming, distinct social classes formed based on land ownership and economic power.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of farming practices on Viking Age society's structure and relationships.
  • The long-term implications of farming practices on Viking Age society were profound, as they not only facilitated the rise of distinct social classes but also influenced cultural norms and relationships within communities. Farming created dependencies between landowners and laborers, often leading to feudal-like systems where serfs worked the land in exchange for protection. This dynamic fostered a sense of obligation and loyalty that permeated Viking culture, shaping governance structures and community interactions for generations.

Related terms

Agrarian Society: A society primarily based on agriculture, where farming is the main source of livelihood and significantly influences social structures and relationships.

Subsistence Farming: A type of farming where the primary goal is to produce enough food to feed the farmer's family, with little surplus for trade or sale.

Feudalism: A social system prevalent in medieval Europe where land was owned by nobles and worked by serfs or peasants in exchange for protection and a place to live.