Property, in Hobhouse's phrase, 'is to be conceived in terms of the control of man over things', a control which is recognized by society, more or less permanent and exclusive. Property may be private (individual or collective) or common. In his account of the development of property, Hobhouse observed that there is some personal private property in all societies, but that in many primitive societies the principal economic resources are communally owned (e.g. hunting land, grazing land, pasture). In more developed agricultural societies, private ownership comes to predominate. But Hobhouse pointed out that although tribal common ownership disappears, common ownership may be maintained for the joint-family. R. H. Lowie, in an excellent short account of property, which uses much comparative material from primitive and civilized societies, presents much of the same view. There is personal private property among all primitive people, including names, dances, songs, myths, ceremonial regalia, gifts, weapons, household implements. So far as the 'instruments of production' are concerned there are differences between hunters and food-gatherers, where the land is tribal property (not always well-defined), and agriculturalists and pastoralists. Among agriculturalists individual private property in land is frequently found, though the clan or tribe may still exercise some control over its use or alienation. In the case of pastoralists, land may be communally owned but not the livestock; 'the ownership of livestock strongly develops the sense of individual property.
In more developed agricultural societies
Analyzing Property Ownership in Agricultural Societies
The question asks about the predominant form of property ownership in more developed agricultural societies, based on the provided text which discusses the views of Hobhouse and R. H. Lowie.
According to the text:
- Hobhouse suggests that while there is some personal private property in all societies, principal economic resources are communally owned in many primitive societies.
- However, Hobhouse observes, "In more developed agricultural societies, private ownership comes to predominate."
- He notes that tribal common ownership disappears, although joint-family common ownership might persist.
- R. H. Lowie's account, using comparative material, presents a similar view.
- Lowie confirms personal private property exists among all primitive people.
- Regarding "instruments of production" like land, the text differentiates between hunters/food-gatherers (tribal land) and agriculturalists/pastoralists.
- Specifically for agriculturalists, it states, "Among agriculturalists individual private property in land is frequently found, though the clan or tribe may still exercise some control..."
Focusing specifically on more developed agricultural societies, both Hobhouse and Lowie's perspectives, as presented in the text, align on the dominance of private ownership.
Evaluating the Options
- Communal ownership dominates: The text states that in developed agricultural societies, tribal common ownership tends to disappear, and private ownership comes to predominate. This option is contrary to the text.
- Pastoral ownership dominates: The text discusses pastoral societies separately, noting communal land but individual livestock ownership developing a sense of individual property. The question is specifically about agricultural societies, not pastoral ones.
- Private ownership dominates: The text explicitly states, "In more developed agricultural societies, private ownership comes to predominate." This directly supports the statement.
- Social ownership dominates: The term 'social ownership' is not used in the text in this context. The text discusses private (individual or collective) and common (communal/tribal/joint-family) ownership.
Based on the direct statement in the passage, private ownership is the dominant form in more developed agricultural societies according to Hobhouse and Lowie.
Revision Table: Property Ownership Forms
| Society Type | Predominant Ownership of Principal Economic Resources (Text's view) |
|---|---|
| Many Primitive Societies | Communally owned (e.g., hunting/grazing land) |
| More Developed Agricultural Societies | Private ownership dominates (especially land) |
| Pastoral Societies | Land may be communally owned, but livestock individually owned |
| All Societies (including primitive) | Some personal private property exists (names, items, etc.) |
Additional Information on Property Concepts
The text highlights that property isn't just about land. It includes various "things" over which individuals or groups exert control, recognized by society. Hobhouse's definition emphasizes control, recognition, permanence, and exclusivity.
The evolution described, from predominantly communal ownership in primitive societies to predominantly private ownership in more developed agricultural societies, reflects a significant shift in economic and social structures. Lowie's contribution adds weight to this observation by providing comparative material from diverse societies.
The distinction between personal private property (like names or tools) and ownership of major economic resources (like land) is also crucial in understanding property rights across different societal stages.
Important Questions from Basic Sociology - Teaching
Match List - I with List - II
List - I List - II (Principles) (Meaning) A. Phenomenalism I. Knowledge is arrived at through the gathering of facts that provide the basis for laws B. Deductivism II. Asserts that social phenomena and their meanings are continually being accomplished by social actors C. Inductivism III. The purpose of theory is to generate a hypothesis that can be tested D. Constructionism IV. Only phenomena and hence knowledge confirmed by the senses can be warranted as knowledge Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
What are the main features of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016?
Use of public office for private gain is known as:
Which among the following are possessed by primitive people as personal private property?
For the pastoralists:
