WORLD HISTORYARVADA WEST SENIOR HIGH

THOMSON

What Civilization Means

What Civilization Means

World History – Often focuses on societies with complex economic systems…what we often consider to be “civilizations”

Civilization – One defining term to identify a specific kind of social grouping…it is NOT the only one that deserves studying

What Civilization Means

Characteristics of civilizations: Surplus production beyond what is necessary for

survival Specialized occupations Social stratification Regional and long-distance trading networks Development of cities Formal states Bureaucracy Systems of writing

What Civilization Means

Civilization are not necessarily better or more productive than other groupings: Example – Nomadic tribes often developed

sophisticated technology and promoted greater global networks

What Civilization Means

Civilizations reshape environments and dominate other animals and nature

What Civilization Means

We often use Western standards to judge what is civilized and what is barbaric (i.e., not a good standard): Mayan culture – Major accomplishments in

mathematics and astronomy, but maintained Stone Age technology throughout its duration.

China – Extensive and sophisticated political systems, but only developed one religion/philosophy (Taosim) that did not spread out of China.

India – Major religions that influenced great parts of the world (Hinduism & Buddhism), but has never really had any eras of political unity.

What Civilization Means

Ethnocentrism – Characterized by or based on the attitude that one’s own group is superior.

It is better to judge what is a civilization based on patterns of social development rather than western-based judgments.