What Civilization Means

1. What Civilization Means World History Arvada West Senior High Thomson

2. What Civilization Means • World History – Often focuses on societies with complex economic systems…what we often consider to be “civilizations” • Civilization – One defining term to identify a specific kind of social grouping…it is NOT the only one that deserves studying

3. What Civilization Means • Characteristics of civilizations: • Surplus production beyond what is necessary for survival • Specialized occupations • Social stratification • Regional and long-distance trading networks • Development of cities • Formal states • Bureaucracy • Systems of writing

4. What Civilization Means • Civilization are not necessarily better or more productive than other groupings: • Example – Nomadic tribes often developed sophisticated technology and promoted greater global networks

5. What Civilization Means Civilizations reshape environments and dominate other animals and nature

6. What Civilization Means • We often use Western standards to judge what is civilized and what is barbaric (i.e., not a good standard): • Mayan culture – Major accomplishments in mathematics and astronomy, but maintained Stone Age technology throughout its duration. • China – Extensive and sophisticated political systems, but only developed one religion/philosophy (Taosim) that did not spread out of China. • India – Major religions that influenced great parts of the world (Hinduism & Buddhism), but has never really had any eras of political unity.

7. What Civilization Means Ethnocentrism – Characterized by or based on the attitude that one’s own group is superior. It is better to judge what is a civilization based on patterns of social development rather than western-based judgments.