PsychologyAugust 26, 2026

chiefdoms

CHEEF-dumz

Definition

A form of social organization, historically classified by anthropologists, characterized by a centralized political structure with hereditary leadership and social ranking.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'chef' (head or leader), which came from the Old French 'chief', eventually combining with the Germanic suffix '-dom' indicating a state or realm.

In the news

The term is used here as part of an anthropological classification system to distinguish complex hierarchical societies from more egalitarian, small-scale groups like bands or tribes.

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