Final answer:
Most foraging societies are characterized by mobility, egalitarianism, and are considered the original affluent societies. Mobility is seen in their nomadic lifestyle, egalitarianism is shown in the minimal possessions and shared resources, and the affluent aspect comes from their health and social structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristic Features of Foraging Societies
According to anthropologist Conrad Kottak, a characteristic feature of most foraging societies is their mobility. These groups are often nomadic, moving in seasonal cycles across vast territories. They tend to settle temporarily in areas that offer necessary resources such as water sources and patches of ripe vegetation. Relationships with adjacent groups are maintained through cross-band friendships and marriages, facilitating the sharing of territories when resources are scarce.
Another defining aspect of foraging societies is their egalitarianism. Material possessions are minimal and distributed based on need. There is a cultural emphasis on sharing and generosity, with social values that discourage greed and pride. This egalitarian nature is further evidenced by the sexual division of labor, with both men and women contributing significantly to the sustenance of the group, although in different capacities.
Forager societies are also noted for being the original affluent societies, indicating a quality of life that many agricultural and industrial societies may underestimate. This assessment comes from findings that some foraging societies have displayed better overall health and less chronic disease compared to their agricultural neighbors, as well as an economy not based on material wealth but on shared resources and subsistence.