What are Ranked (Type 1) societies characterized by?

Ranked societies, often referred to as Type 1 societies, are characterized by inherited social inequality. In these societies, individuals have different access to resources and power based on their lineage or social status, which is typically passed down from one generation to another. This means that certain families or clans are recognized as having more prestige or authority, often linked to their ancestry or historical roles within the community.

This social structure leads to a hierarchy where the position one holds is not solely based on personal achievements, but heavily influenced by one's family background. Such a system establishes a distinct social stratification, differentiating between those who belong to high-ranking groups and those from lower-status groups. By contrast, societies that emphasize complete social equality would lack this hierarchy, and high levels of mobility would indicate a fluidity in social status, which is not the hallmark of ranked societies. Additionally, shared leadership roles, while present in many societies, do not define the stratification typical of ranked societies where leadership is often concentrated in specific lineages or families.