Subsistence

Definition

Subsistence refers to the minimum resources or means of life necessary to support or maintain an individual or community. It encompasses the basic necessities required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and clothing, in a given environment or society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subsistence is a fundamental concept in the study of different types of societies, as it reflects the ways in which a community or culture meets its basic needs for survival.
2. The level of subsistence can vary greatly across different societies, from hunter-gatherer groups to agrarian communities to industrialized nations.
3. Subsistence strategies often shape the social, economic, and political structures of a society, as the pursuit of basic necessities can influence the division of labor, resource allocation, and decision-making processes.
4. Technological advancements, environmental factors, and cultural traditions can all impact the subsistence patterns of a society over time.
5. The transition from subsistence-based economies to more market-oriented systems can have significant implications for the social and economic well-being of a community.

Review Questions

• Explain how subsistence strategies can influence the social and political structures of a society.
  • Subsistence strategies often shape the social and political structures of a society, as the pursuit of basic necessities can influence the division of labor, resource allocation, and decision-making processes. For example, in a subsistence-based economy, the need to secure food, water, and shelter may lead to the development of specialized roles and hierarchies within the community, as well as the establishment of systems for collective resource management and distribution. These social and political structures, in turn, can reinforce the subsistence patterns and shape the overall cultural and economic dynamics of the society.
• Describe how the transition from subsistence-based economies to more market-oriented systems can impact the well-being of a community.
  • The transition from subsistence-based economies to more market-oriented systems can have significant implications for the social and economic well-being of a community. On one hand, the integration into larger economic networks and access to a wider range of goods and services can improve the standard of living and provide new economic opportunities. However, this transition can also disrupt traditional subsistence patterns, leading to the erosion of cultural practices, the loss of self-sufficiency, and the potential for social and economic inequalities to emerge as the community becomes more dependent on external markets and resources. The impact of this transition can vary greatly depending on the specific context and the ability of the community to adapt and maintain a balance between traditional subsistence strategies and the demands of a market-oriented economy.
• Analyze how technological advancements and environmental factors can influence the subsistence patterns of a society over time.
  • Technological advancements and environmental factors can significantly influence the subsistence patterns of a society over time. Innovations in agricultural techniques, transportation, and communication can enable communities to expand their access to resources, diversify their subsistence strategies, and integrate into larger economic networks. At the same time, changes in the natural environment, such as climate shifts, resource depletion, or natural disasters, can disrupt traditional subsistence patterns and force communities to adapt their strategies for securing basic necessities. The interplay between technological progress and environmental conditions can lead to the emergence of new subsistence models, the abandonment of old practices, and the transformation of social, economic, and political structures within a society. Understanding these dynamic relationships is crucial for analyzing the evolution of different types of societies and their ability to maintain sustainable livelihoods over time.

Related terms

Subsistence Economy: An economic system where the primary goal is to provide for basic personal and community needs rather than profit or wealth accumulation.

Subsistence Agriculture: A form of agriculture where farmers grow crops or raise livestock primarily to meet their own basic needs for food and other necessities, with little or no surplus for trade.

Subsistence Level: The minimum level of income, consumption, or resources required to maintain a basic standard of living and meet essential needs.