ABSTRACT
Even in the most primitive societies, however, there are specialists, who by their labour contribute to the general good rather than to their own direct advantage, although indirectly, of course, they benefit themselves. Among many primitive communities inheritance takes place through the mother rather than the father, a custom that is known as “mother-right.” The fundamental division of labour among primitive peoples is, however, based on sex. The subjugation of woman is rather a trait of barbarism than of savagery, and represents, paradoxical as it may appear, a comparatively high stage in development. Woman’s place in a primitive community is a very definite one. So many of the early travellers report that the position of the women in certain tribes was that of drudges, a statement which disregards the particular duties of women in this stage of culture.
