Digital SATReading and Writing: Craft and StructureMedium
An anthropologist is studying a remote indigenous community. They observe that the community places a high value on cooperation, sharing resources, and collective decision-making. The anthropologist concludes that the community's social structure is fundamentally 'egalitarian.' What does the anthropologist mean by 'egalitarian' in this context?
- AThe community strictly adheres to ancient, unchanging traditions.
- BThere is a strong emphasis on individual achievement and competition.
- CAll members have equal rights and opportunities.
- DThe community is ruled by a single, benevolent leader.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. All members have equal rights and opportunities.
The context describes 'cooperation, sharing resources, and collective decision-making.' These characteristics are all indicative of a society where equality is highly valued. 'Egalitarian' specifically means relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities, directly aligning with the observed social structure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Strict adherence to tradition is a separate concept from egalitarian social structure, though they can coexist, it's not the primary meaning here.
- B. Individual achievement and competition are contrary to cooperation and sharing resources.
- D. A single leader, even benevolent, contradicts the idea of collective decision-making and equal rights.
Egalitarian
Relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
- Focuses on equality among individuals.
- Often characterizes societies with shared resources and decision-making.
- Opposite of hierarchical or authoritarian.
Memory trick: Societies organize around power, wealth, or equality.