Authority and forms of political organization

Defining Authority and Political Organization

Authority, as defined by Max Weber, is the probability that individuals will comply with both the existing commands, regardless of their motivation to do so, and with commands of other individuals in positions of authority. Political organization refers to the structures and processes by which societies make decisions, allocate resources, and resolve conflicts. It encompasses everything from informal social controls to formal institutions like governments.

Forms of Political Organization

Anthropologists have identified several primary forms of political organization, broadly categorized by their complexity and level of stratification:

• Bands: These are small, egalitarian groups typically composed of hunter-gatherers. Leadership is informal, based on skill or experience, and authority is minimal. Example: The !Kung San of the Kalahari Desert.
• Tribes: Larger than bands, tribes often have a shared kinship system, culture, and territory. Leadership is often based on lineage or age grades, and authority is still relatively decentralized. Example: The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, with their age-grade system.
• Chiefdoms: These societies exhibit a hierarchical structure with a chief who holds limited but recognized authority. Redistribution of resources and ceremonial roles are common. Example: The Natchez of North America, with their complex ranking system and chief's palace.
• States: Characterized by centralized authority, complex bureaucracy, formalized laws, and a standing army. Power is concentrated in the hands of a ruling elite. Example: The Inca Empire, with its extensive road system and sophisticated administrative structure.
• Acephalous Societies: These are societies without formal chiefs or rulers. Authority is dispersed among various individuals or councils. Example: The Semai of Malaysia.

Evolution and Interplay with Social Structure

The evolution of political organization is often linked to population size, resource availability, and technological advancements. Bands typically emerge in environments with abundant resources and low population density. As populations grow and resources become scarcer, more complex forms of organization, like chiefdoms and states, may arise. The development of agriculture and surplus production often fuels the emergence of stratified societies with centralized authority. Social stratification, including differences in wealth, power, and prestige, is a key characteristic of more complex political organizations.

Table: Comparison of Political Organization Forms

Feature	Bands	Tribes	Chiefdoms	States
Size	Small (20-50)	Medium (100-1000)	Medium-Large (1000-5000)	Large (Thousands to Millions)
Authority	Informal	Lineage/Age Grade	Chief (Limited)	Centralized
Stratification	Low	Moderate	Moderate	High
Economic System	Hunting/Gathering	Pastoralism/Agriculture	Agriculture/Redistribution	Complex Agriculture/Trade

Case Study: The Tiv of Nigeria

The Tiv people of Nigeria provide a fascinating example of a segmentary political system. Their society is organized into autonomous age grades and lineages, which can coalesce to form larger political units when faced with external threats or internal conflicts. This system, while lacking a centralized authority, effectively manages social order and resolves disputes.

The Role of Religion and Ideology

Religious beliefs and ideologies often legitimize authority and reinforce social hierarchies. For example, the concept of the "divine right of kings" was used to justify the absolute authority of monarchs in many historical societies. Similarly, religious institutions can play a significant role in maintaining social control and enforcing norms.

FAQ: What is the difference between authority and power?

While related, authority and power are distinct concepts. Power is the ability to influence others, while authority is the *right* to do so. Authority is legitimized, whereas power may be derived from coercion or manipulation.