Final answer:
A complex society is characterized by a high degree of socioeconomic stratification, where individuals and groups are ranked based on wealth, power, and prestige, leading to distinct social classes and systemic inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A complex society is in part defined by a high degree of socioeconomic stratification. This concept refers to the way society categorizes individuals and groups into different layers based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. Social stratification can be observed in various forms across different types of societies, whether they are horticultural societies, state societies, or industrial nations. In state societies, which include large, stratified, multiethnic communities with centralized leadership and bureaucracies, the levels of inequality can be quite pronounced. These societies often feature a system where certain individuals or groups wield exclusive control over resources, military forces, and the territory itself.
In the context of early civilizations, social stratification implied that people could accumulate wealth and status, which led to distinct social classes or strata. Such differentiation often results in systemic inequalities or "isms", affecting all levels of a society. As societies progress technologically, from preindustrial to industrial and post-industrial stages, the characteristics and degrees of stratification also evolve, often becoming more complex and entrenched.