Description

Book Synopsis

A political economy approach to prehistory offers a robust means to understand different pathways to complexity. Why do states with extreme inequality develop quickly in some circumstance, while in others egalitarian societies continue for thousands of years? The search for primary drivers like population density, warfare, trade, irrigation, or information have proven largely inadequate. This essay argues that economic relations and their potential for control of surplus mobilization explain alternative evolutionary trajectories in human societies.



Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Channeling Economic Sectors
Staple-based Political Economies
Wealth-based Political Economies
The Possible Relevance of Archaeology to Public Discourse and Social Policy
Notes
References

An Essay on Political Economies in Prehistory

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    A Paperback / softback by Timothy Earle

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      Publisher: Eliot Werner Publications Inc
      Publication Date: 30/04/2019
      ISBN13: 9783774941151, 978-3774941151
      ISBN10: 3774941157
      Also in:
      Business, Finance & Law Economic history Archaeology by period / region Anthropology

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A political economy approach to prehistory offers a robust means to understand different pathways to complexity. Why do states with extreme inequality develop quickly in some circumstance, while in others egalitarian societies continue for thousands of years? The search for primary drivers like population density, warfare, trade, irrigation, or information have proven largely inadequate. This essay argues that economic relations and their potential for control of surplus mobilization explain alternative evolutionary trajectories in human societies.



      Table of Contents

      Foreword
      Introduction
      Channeling Economic Sectors
      Staple-based Political Economies
      Wealth-based Political Economies
      The Possible Relevance of Archaeology to Public Discourse and Social Policy
      Notes
      References

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