Question

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a gatherer society and an agrarian society in regard to their reliance on plant materials. Do not just repeat what was discussed in class, think about some other possibilities as well (there are more I did not mention in class this week that will come up through the semester. Be sure to address BOTH the advantages and disadvantages for BOTH types of society. Note that an advantage to one group may not be a disadvantage to the other.

Answer 1

Answer:

Gatherer society

Advantages

• The food gathered can last up to 3 days, leaving time left for other activities.
• Gathered food provides more protein which leads to better health.

Disadvantages

• A lot of time must be invested in gathering food.
• They might not find enough food.
• Gathering societies lack the social structure that protects agrarian societies.

Agrarian society

Advantages

• They allow the development of a more complex social structure based on specialization.
• Farming creates surplus food, allowing to feed other members of society.

Disadvantages

• Land becomes the main source of wealth, dividing society into different social categories.

Explanation:

While an agrarian society has an economy primarily focused on agriculture and food cultivation in extensive areas, hunter-gatherer societies don´t cultivate their food.