Final answer:
Egalitarian societies were facilitated in the earliest human societies which were hunter-gatherer in nature. These societies were characterized by small groups with a lack of wealth and nomadic lifestyles. The development of agriculture, specialization, and centralized governments led to increased social stratification and a move away from egalitarian structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stages of political, social, and economic organization that facilitated the appearance of more or less egalitarian societies can be observed at the earliest stages of human development, particularly in hunter-gatherer communities. These societies tended to be egalitarian due to their small group size, lack of wealth, and nomadic lifestyle which did not support hierarchical structures and allowed for a communal sharing of resources. As societies evolved into chiefdoms and eventually states, the concentration of power and wealth became more pronounced, leading to social stratification and a less egalitarian social order.
The development of centralized state governments with bureaucracy and legal systems to extract taxes and exert control over larger territories signified a move away from egalitarianism. Economic forces, such as the growth of agriculture and specialization, also contributed to social hierarchies, as individuals who controlled more resources gained wealth, power, and status over those who laboured in production.
In contrast, bands and tribes typically exhibited more egalitarian structures due to their acephalous nature, meaning they lacked central leadership. The path from egalitarian bands to complex state societies was influenced by various pressures including population growth, social stratification, environmental challenges, trade opportunities, and conflict with other societies. However, there is no single evolutionary path; the progression of human societies has been marked by complex and often unpredictable changes.