Final answer:
In social studies, 'small-scale societies' refer to communities with small populations, informal governance, and strong social norms, often highlighting an egalitarian structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When authors use the term "small-scale society," they are referring to societies with relatively small populations that are often governed by informal structures and maintained through social customs rather than formal laws and leadership. These societies typically involve close-knit communities where all members are known to each other, decisions are made collectively, and social norms and relational dynamics play a central role in maintaining order. They might include band societies of hunter-gatherers, consisting of 20 to 30 people living together with a strong emphasis on egalitarianism and cooperation.
The term can also relate to the economic and technological aspects, where such societies often have a subsistence economy with little specialization in labor, and the level of technological development is typically low. This stands in contrast to larger, more industrialized societies, where the division of labor is more complex and technology plays a considerable role in shaping social relations and economic production.