Originally Posted by Craig

Is this going to be on the final exam?

I was thinking more in terms of differences imposed on societies by outside influences such as their environment (current or historical). Is it possible that a nomadic, agrarian, or industrial society would develop different fundamental characteristics? For example, some types of environments/lifestyles may favor large, stable families (agrarian), while others (industrial) may provide enough resources for a leisure/intellectual class that has the time/resources to think deep thoughts.

In a agrarian society a stable family unit may be a necessity for survival (a single person is probably not capable of surviving as a subsistence farmer). It seems that this society will favor marrying young and having many children. It also seems that a more fundamental religious tradition would support the "family values" necessary to maintain this type of lifestyle. Because this society would value stability over innovation, it would tend to be very conservative and intolerant of any "free thinking," especially if it would cause a disruption (women taking on non-traditional roles, unmarried children moving away from the farm, children choosing to remain single, etc.).

Obviously, an industrial society would tend to favor different characteristics. Due to the specialization associated with a more complex society, innovation may become more valuable than stability. This society may be more individual based than family based. Women remaining single and entering the workforce may be an advantage, men may not need a stable, large family to participate in the "family business," in fact it may be advantageous for them to remain single. This will tend to be a more diverse society, and specialization will require individuals to deal with others who may not share their "values." I suspect that this will tend to favor a more "tolerant" tradition that will be reflected in the religions (or lack of religions).

I would also suspect that the transition from one type of society to another (agrarian to industrial) would cause significant societally pressures. The traditional subsistence farmer may not be amused when his gay son decides to become a coffee house performance artist instead of providing grandchildren and helping with the harvest. The social/religious authorities are not going to adjust quickly either. It's not surprising that a few generations of unrest will be required to complete the transition.

Or, maybe not?