Study guide/discussion questions for “The Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins. Be prepared to discuss the discussion questions next week (or on the discussion board for this week and next for the online class).

How does Sahlins characterize the hunting and gathering societies that he describes?

Is there much starvation?

Do they work long hours?

Do they practice infanticide, senilicide, sexual continence for the duration of the nursing period?

Do they eat whatever they have as if there is no tomorrow?

Do they take good care of their possessions?

What can we learn from looking at hunting and gathering societies?