Era Of Barbarism Analysis

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Institutions are dynamic entities, as new technologies are introduced, societies must create institutions responsible for governing their use. McCormick (2006, 38) notes that the institutions that govern new technologies use are derived from instincts and existing institutions. If parental bent is the dominant instinct, the technology is generally used in a nurturing manner. Alternatively, if the predatory instinct dominates, their use can be considerably more destructive.
The introduction of technologies can also play a key role in altering or eliminating old institutions, but not without tensions. The expediency at which this occurs is dependent on the extent that the "ceremonial" - related to the past and traditions - has engrained itself in the institution. The clashing of the forward movement of technological advancement and the resistance exerted by the …show more content…
The earliest era of "savagery" - often referred to as the hunter-gatherer era - is by far the longest era of human society. McCormick (2006, 54) notes that as there was insufficient surplus to be taken advantage of through predatory and as such predatory instinct was minimal throughout this period. Although technological progress was slow during this period, improved techniques eventually led to the era of barbarism.
The era of "barbarism" was the first with any real surplus to speak of. Shamans and warriors rose to prominence during this era and made a living from violence and "religious" services as opposed to labor. In McCormick's (2006, 55) interpretation of Veblen, this is also when the concept of property and property rights emerged. Those who engaged in predatory behavior claimed ownership of surplus and what was garnered through violence. However, as institutions continued to mutate societies returned to a more peaceful time in the handicraft
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