Were Hunter-Gatherers Happier Due to Their Smaller Societies and Lifestyle?
In the discussion about the happiness of hunter-gatherers, many argue that their smaller, simpler societies could have contributed to their overall contentment. However, as outlined in Marshall Sahlins' influential anthropological essay, "The Original Affluent Society," happiness in these societies may have more to do with their cultural approaches rather than just the size of their communities.
Cultural Differences and Egalitarian Societies
According to Sahlins, hunter-gatherers were inherently happier because they desired less. Their simple needs were met through communal cooperation, making them content with their modest lifestyles (Sahlins, 1972). One pivotal study in this area, conducted by Richard Lee and John Marshall, focused on the !Kung and Dobe Ju’hoansi people living in South African deserts. These groups functioned with a 20-hour per week requirement for food and household needs (Lee, 1979). This is significantly fewer hours of work compared to most modern lifestyles, underscoring the efficiency and simplicity of their societies.
A Simple and Equal Way of Life
Similar work week hour values are evident among other foraging peoples. It's important to note that these societies must maintain very low population densities for these work hours to be sustainable. On average, modern hunter-gatherers inhabit just one person per square mile (Lee, 1979). Beyond the sheer number of people, the priorities of these societies are crucial to their contentment. Mobility and adaptability characterize these groups; they move about frequently to access resources. Ownership and material wealth as we understand them today are non-existent. Everything they possess is essential for survival, from hunting tools to simple shelter (Marchand, 1991).
Compare to Modern Life
Contrast this with modern, high-density societies. In these, hierarchies often dominate, and material wealth is a significant differentiator. Modern lifestyles, which require longer working hours, often prioritize efficiency and material possessions over communal desires. This shift from nomadic to urban life has interesting parallels in how we perceive personal issues, social dynamics, and even mental health.
Population and Lifestyle Experiments
Rat experiments conducted in the 1960s provided insights into the impact of population density on behavior and well-being. In these studies, as population increased, rats exhibited behaviors akin to human negative societal trends. They became less attentive parents, made poor nests, paired with same-sex partners, and exhibited increased aggression and mental health issues (.astor, 1963). Conversely, as populations decreased, rats became more engaged in their environments, exhibiting signs of improved well-being and nest-building behavior (Brown, 1966). This research suggests that lower population densities may contribute to more harmonious and healthier communities.
Modern Examples in Remote Communities
Contemporary examples in remote communities, such as those in Alaska with populations ranging from 20 to 300 people, demonstrate these principles in action. These communities exhibit minimal social issues, no crime (including gun violence), and a shared sense of community (Seifert, 2017). The absence of traditional societal pressures and regulatory authorities leads to more equitable and congenial living conditions, reflecting the egalitarian nature of hunter-gatherer societies.
Personal Experience and Reflections
My own experiences support these observations. Having lived both in upper-class, civilized environments and in nomadic, subsistence lifestyles, I can attest to the differences in well-being and contentment. The nomadic lifestyle offers a simpler, more interconnected existence, akin to the hunter-gatherer societies of the past. In contrast, urban life, rife with stress, social issues, and the need for social constructs like government and law enforcement, often veers towards the negative aspects observed in the rat studies.
Conclusion
While the past hunter-gatherer lifestyles may seem quaint, they offer valuable insights into a more harmonious and contented way of life. The key lies not just in the size of the society but in the cultural attitudes and social structures. As modern societies increasingly grapple with urbanization and population growth, these insights from the past could guide us towards more equitable and fulfilling futures.