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Egalitarian societies

Egalitarianism is most common among simple societies .It provides equal access to resources and recognition for all the members within the society. The egalitarian does not connote sameness. Differences due to biologically given features such as sex and age as well as differences due to sociologically appreciated factors such as capability, skill, proficiency and efficiency exist. As a result the qualified candidate acquires a reputed position. These positions however neither transferable nor inheritable. Although such transitory prestige positions exist, the economy is one of reciprocity and thus equal access to resources obtains. This situation thereby inhibits the permanent institutionalization of the differences between people into hierarchical levels that would lead to social stratification.