A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is a property of non-industrial civilizations according to Giddens?

1. Focus on technological advancements

2. Complex social hierarchies

3. Reliance on agricultural methods

4. Emphasis on hunting techniques

The correct answer is: Complex social hierarchies

The identification of complex social hierarchies as a property of non-industrial civilizations reflects the understanding that these societies are structured in a way that delineates roles, statuses, and power distributions among their members. Non-industrial civilizations often develop intricate social classes based on factors like wealth, land ownership, lineage, or occupation. This complexity is indicative of social organization that facilitates various functions, such as resource distribution and social order. In contrast, non-industrial civilizations typically do not prioritize technological advancements to the same extent as industrial societies, nor are they solely reliant on agricultural methods or hunting techniques as defining characteristics. While agriculture can be a significant aspect of non-industrial life, the emphasis on a complex social hierarchy speaks more broadly to the social organization and relationships that define such civilizations, marking their distinction from more technologically driven industrial societies.