Modes of Subsistence

Definition

Modes of subsistence refer to the primary ways in which a society or culture obtains the necessary resources for survival and sustenance. It encompasses the various economic and productive activities that a group engages in to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Modes of subsistence are closely tied to a society's level of technological development and the available natural resources in their environment.
2. The transition from foraging to horticulture and agriculture is a significant milestone in human cultural evolution, often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution.
3. Foraging societies are typically nomadic or semi-nomadic, while horticultural and agricultural societies tend to be more sedentary.
4. The adoption of agriculture allowed for population growth, the development of complex social structures, and the emergence of specialized roles and occupations.
5. The choice of a particular mode of subsistence can have far-reaching implications for a society's social organization, political structure, and cultural values.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features and characteristics of the three main modes of subsistence: foraging, horticulture, and agriculture.
  • Foraging societies rely on the gathering of wild plants and the hunting or scavenging of wild animals for their sustenance. They typically live a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving in search of resources. Horticultural societies practice small-scale, labor-intensive cultivation of crops using simple tools and techniques, often in addition to foraging activities. Agricultural societies, on the other hand, engage in large-scale, mechanized cultivation of crops and domestication of animals for food production. This transition to agriculture allowed for population growth, the development of complex social structures, and the emergence of specialized roles and occupations.
• Explain how the choice of a particular mode of subsistence can impact a society's social organization, political structure, and cultural values.
  • The mode of subsistence a society adopts can have far-reaching implications for its social, political, and cultural development. Foraging societies tend to be more egalitarian, with a focus on sharing resources and a lack of centralized authority. Horticultural societies may develop more complex social hierarchies and division of labor, while agricultural societies often have even more stratified social structures, with the emergence of specialized roles and the concentration of wealth and power. The transition to agriculture also facilitated the development of complex political systems, such as the rise of centralized states and empires. Furthermore, the choice of subsistence mode can shape a society's cultural values, beliefs, and practices, influencing their relationship with the natural environment, their emphasis on individual or communal ownership, and their attitudes towards technology and innovation.
• Analyze the role of technological development and environmental factors in shaping the modes of subsistence adopted by different societies throughout history.
  • The modes of subsistence employed by a society are closely tied to its level of technological development and the available natural resources in its environment. Foraging societies, with their reliance on hunting and gathering, are typically found in environments rich in wild plants and animals, and their subsistence strategies are limited by the constraints of their technology, which may include simple tools and weapons. The adoption of horticulture and agriculture, on the other hand, was facilitated by the development of more advanced agricultural techniques, such as the use of plows, irrigation systems, and domesticated plants and animals. The availability of arable land, water sources, and a suitable climate for crop cultivation were also crucial factors in the emergence of horticultural and agricultural societies. Furthermore, the choice of a particular mode of subsistence can have a feedback effect on a society's technological development, as the need to improve productivity and resource management drives innovation. This interplay between technology, environment, and modes of subsistence has been a key driver of cultural evolution throughout human history.

Related terms

Foraging: A subsistence strategy where people gather wild plants and hunt or scavenge wild animals for food.

Horticulture: A subsistence strategy involving small-scale, labor-intensive cultivation of crops, often using simple tools and techniques.

Agriculture: A subsistence strategy involving large-scale, mechanized cultivation of crops and domestication of animals for food production.