Reference no: EM133311691

Assignment:

Graeber and Wengrow 

Reading Summary

In this section, Graeber and Wengrow discuss the social structure of the Osage people. This was based on a clan structure, meaning the society consisted of several small groups. This social structure was rooted in cosmology, in other words, a spiritual understanding of the world. On page 480 Graeber and Wengrow discuss the political decision-making process of this culture. On page 481 they discuss the Osage's creation story, which shapes their worldview and their social and political structure. One key element of the political structure is that the Osage saw it as a self-conscious human creation, and rooted in a history of political thinking, much like in the Western tradition of political philosophy which locates the origins of democracy in ancient Greek political thought.

Graeber and Wengrow

Discussion Prompt

Graeber and Wengrow's The Dawn of Everything and then respond to the following question: What do Greaber and Wengrow mean when they suggest that the political organization and structure of the Osage and other Native groups was a product of political self-reflection and dialogue? Why is this important?

Instructions

1. Respond to the question as directly as possible in the first sentence or two of your response-a comprehensive and compelling response to the question.

2. In the body of your response support your answer by referring to a specific passage from the reading in your understanding. A passage from the reading to support your response.

NOTE: Please be specific and follow the instructions as directed.

REFERENCE

The Dawn of Everything