Final answer:
Bands, hunter-gatherers, and foragers maintain order and reduce conflict through mobility, seasonal migrations, egalitarianism, sharing of resources, social norms that encourage generosity, consensus decision-making, and sanctions against antisocial behaviors such as stinginess.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hunter-gatherer or forager societies are characterized by their mobile lifestyle, egalitarian social structures, and methods of reducing conflict through sharing and strategic movement. These nomadic groups often move in seasonal patterns, and rely on strong social bonds, exchange networks, and cross-band marriages to maintain peace and reduce conflict. Mobility benefits these groups by allowing territory sharing, especially in times of resource scarcity, with bands generally respecting each other's territories due to established relationships.
Gatherer-hunters display an inclination toward egalitarianism, with possessions circulated based on need and generous sharing enforced by social norms. Food is divided equally among all community members, and behaviors like greed or refusal to share are met with social sanctions, such as gossip, ridicule, or ostracism. This enforcement of sharing and stigmatization of stinginess help to maintain order and equality within the band.
Their subsistence strategies reflect these social norms, and decisions regarding movements and resource targeting are made collectively, often with those most knowledgeable, such as women gatherers, leading discussions. Personal conflicts do occur but are generally resolved through discussion to reach a consensus or, if necessary, a split in the group to avoid continuous tension.
The varied strategies and features of gatherer-hunter societies also reflect changes in resource availability and the need to adapt. Sometimes, external pressures force these communities to make difficult choices regarding their lifestyle and way of living, but many choose to maintain their connection with nature and traditional practices.