Final answer:
Anthropological studies, including the healing practices of the !Kung, show that contrary to earlier assumptions, hunter-gatherer societies such as the !Kung value the health and well-being of all community members, including the sick and elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The view of the !Kung regarding sick and elderly individuals contrasts with prior assumptions held by some anthropologists about hunter-gatherer societies. While it was once thought that hunter-gatherer societies might not support those who could not contribute to the necessities of the band, such as the sick and elderly, studies of the !Kung have shown a more nuanced picture.
The !Kung practice of n/um tchai, a healing dance, reveals that they value the wellness of each individual and utilize shamanic knowledge for both physical and socioemotional healing. This demonstrates a level of care and communal responsibility for the less able members of the society which contrasts with a survival-of-the-fittest narrative. It emphasizes the importance of cultural knowledge and practices in maintaining the health and coherence of the community.
Moreover, anthropological research has dispelled the myth of the inherently 'brutish' and 'short' life of hunter-gatherers by highlighting their intricate social structures, advanced knowledge of the natural world, and practices that foster the well-being of all group members, including the elderly or sick.