Anthropology Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The assertion that bands lack formalized law and often have no means of settling disputes is considered true. In anthropological terms, bands are typically small, kin-based groups that rely on informal mechanisms for governance and conflict resolution. These societies do not have a codified legal system like those found in larger, more complex societies.

Instead, dispute resolution in bands often relies on social norms, traditions, and interpersonal relationships. Resources for conflict resolution include informal discussions among members, mediation by respected individuals within the band, and community consensus. This reliance on informal processes helps maintain social cohesion and stability within the group.

While it is accurate that bands do not have formal systems in place, it is essential to recognize that this does not mean disputes cannot be resolved; rather, the absence of formalized law leads to reliance on more communal and less structured methods of resolution. Thus, the statement holds true, as bands indeed lack formalized law but still utilize other means to address disputes.