Complex society

A complex society is a concept that is shared by a range of disciplines including anthropology, archaeology, history and sociology to describe a stage of social formation. The concept was formulated by scholars attempting to understand how modern states emerged, specifically the transition from small kin-based societies to large hierarchically structured societies.

A complex society is characterized by features such as:

• State with a large population wherein its economy is structured according to specialization and a division of labor. These economic features spawn a bureaucratic class and institutionalize inequality.
• Archaeologically, features such as big architectural projects and prescribed burial rites.
• Large scale agricultural development, which allows members of society time for specialized skill sets.
• Organized political structure.

The term is mostly used as shorthand to indicate a society with intricate political organization and using technology to expand economic production.