Historical Synergies from Sumerian Temple Economy, Hunter Gatherers, Greek Patriarchal Gods, to Materialist Extreme Individualism: Rappaport, Durkheim, Mannheim, Voltaire, Gasset, Nietzsche
Creators: name: Peck Jr, Charles E
Publisher: name: unknown
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Mannheim, Karl, 1893-1947
subject: Culture
subject: Historical materialism
subject: Social cognitive theory
subject: Ethnology
subject: Social perception
subject: Dialectical materialism

description: Historical Synergy: Mannheim holds that historical and political thought is determined by the socio-historical location of the thinker and the political aspirations and material ambitions of the group or groups to which he belongs.
Abstract:  Economic-Political and Religious Synergy in the Historical Development of Social Structures. Simplified, Mannheim's Model states that social and religious beliefs were shaped by the political-economic reality. 
Rapport observes, "Few if any societies break the world into the more or less distinct systems distinguished by Western science. Not all of them, surely, distinguish environmental from social relations. Among the Maring (Polynesian people in the Papua New Guinea Highlands), it is clear ecological, political, and social relations (most notably the relations between the sexes) are not separately conceived and their regulation proceeds in terms of integrated set of an integrated set of understandings and principles. Moreover, these understandings and principles, which in the Maring view, account for the structure and state of the world and invest the world and actions in it with meaning, are not confined to the particular material and social regulations regulated. They include as well metaphysical abstractions of great generality. (p. 116 Ecology, Meaning and Religion, Roy Rappaport, North Atlantic Books, 1979)
Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherer Societies: The article emphasizes the importance of spiritual beliefs in animal spirits within prehistoric Alaskan and Chukotka societies. These beliefs were not solely about the divine but rather about "human relationships with the natural world." These beliefs served as a social consciousness and meaning structure, influencing hunting practices, social interactions, and overall community life.
Sumerian Civilization: The article delves into the Sumerian religion and its impact on their social-political structure. The Sumerians, known for their agricultural advancements and early writing system, developed a theocratic government where the priesthood played a crucial role in managing the state, particularly in relation to irrigation systems. Ground radar recently revealed and intricate system of hundr3eds of canals. This political-economic reality (Mannheim) shaped their social order and religious beliefs - with the belief that humans were created to serve the gods.
Totemic Societies: The artoicle explores the role of totemism in shaping social hierarchies and inter-tribal relationships in societies like those of the Australian Aborigines and Native Americans. Totems served as symbols of unity and cohesion, influencing social structures and inter-tribal interactions through complex rules and taboos.
Native American Cultures: The article highlights the concept of "spirit-life-force" prevalent in many Native American cultures. Examples like the Iroquois "orenda" and the Sioux "Wakan Tanka" demonstrate how spiritual beliefs influenced social practices, rituals, and worldview.
Ancient Greek Religion: The article examines the synergy between ancient Greek religion and social-political structures. The Greek pantheon, with its patriarchal family structure, mirrored the social hierarchies of early Greek history, where oligarchies ruled by patriarchal families were prevalent.
Overall, the article argues that spiritual and religious beliefs have played a pivotal role in shaping social structures throughout history. It highlights how these beliefs, often intertwined with economic and political realities, have influenced everything from hunting practices and social hierarchies to government structures and cultural values.