Final answer:
Egalitarian societies are characterized by their lack of formalized hierarchies and emphasis on equal sharing and cooperation. Examples include band societies, which operate through consensus, and societies like the Minangkabau of Indonesia, which demonstrate cooperative dynamics among genders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Egalitarian societies are normally seen with groups that emphasize equality, sharing, and a lack of formalized social hierarchies related to wealth, power, or prestige. There are several forms of egalitarian social organizations; however, two notable examples include band societies and matriarchies.
Band societies, as described by Fortes and Evans-Pritchard, consist of small groups of gatherer-hunters emphasizing equality, cooperation, and sharing. Decision-making is carried out through discussion and consensus rather than through hierarchical leadership.
In the case of matriarchal societies, such as the Minangkabau people of Indonesia studied by Sanday, the society is often mistakenly labeled as women-dominated. Instead, these societies show a cooperative dynamic between genders, which transcends traditional gender roles and highlights egalitarian practices.
As opposed to state societies, which are large, multiethnic, and have centralized forms of governance and stratified social structures, egalitarian societies tend to have less complex social stratifications and a focus on communal well-being rather than individual accumulation of resources.