Climate and Ecological Harshness: How Environment Shapes Hierarchy - Friday's Edition

How culture originated

Stand in a village north of the Arctic Circle in November. The sun barely rises. Temperatures drop to forty below. The reindeer must be moved to winter pasture. Fuel must be stockpiled. Food must be preserved and rationed to last until spring. Every household depends on every other household. A mistake in timing, a dispute that delays action, a family t…