Final answer:
Dr. Lee's studies of the San Ju/'hoansi (!Kung) revealed they had a relatively comfortable life, debunking assumptions that foraging societies are primitive and constantly struggling. The !Kung worked only part-time in food acquisition, enjoyed ample leisure time, and had better health indicators than neighboring agricultural societies, which led to the term 'Original Affluent Society'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Lee's Ethnographic Work with the San Ju/'hoansi
In Dr. Lee's ethnographic studies of the San Ju/'hoansi, also known as the !Kung, he learned several things about this foraging society that challenged previous ethnocentric assumptions. Contrary to the belief that gatherer-hunters live a life characterized by scarcity and relentless toil for survival, Lee found that the !Kung people had a relatively comfortable and healthy life. Rather than struggling daily to find food, they worked an average of three to four days a week obtaining food, with the rest of the time spent socializing and enjoying life. They were fit, healthy, and had a diet rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables, often showing stronger bones and lower blood pressure than their agricultural neighbors. This discovery led to the conception of gatherer-hunters as the 'Original Affluent Society', a term coined by anthropologist Marshall Sahlins to describe societies that, although possessing fewer material goods, have ample free time, a balanced diet, and less susceptibility to chronic diseases.
Additionally, the San people's deep knowledge of their environment allowed them to identify and utilize over a hundred sources of plant and animal foods. This detail illustrates their specialized skills and the sophistication required to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society, further debunking the assumption that these societies are primitive or lack complexity. Through Dr. Lee's work, it became clear that the traditional lifestyles of the San were sustainable and provided them with a quality of life that was often underestimated or misunderstood by outsiders.