In the Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) Grade 7 curriculum, we explore the “Characteristics of Traditional Societies” under the main topic: The Economy – History of Money. This content covers the essential work for Term 1.
To fully understand the shift to modern economics, students must learn to explain the difference between a modern society and traditional society. This includes understanding what is modern society, how it evolved from older systems, and the fundamental bartering meaning that paved the way for currency.
Tip: If you are asked in a test to “Mention 5 characteristics of traditional societies,” you will find the detailed answers in the sections below.
Definition of Traditional Societies:
A traditional society is a tribal community of people that lives simply, relying on nature and their traditions to survive. They produce their own food and goods using basic tools and methods, often existing in a world without money.schoolnotes.co.za
Characteristics of Traditional Societies
Below are the main characteristics that define how these communities function. These points help explore the meaning of traditional society in a modern context.
Let’s look at these characteristics in more detail:
1. Self-Reliance and Sustainability
Members of these communities are highly independent. Understanding the self-sufficient meaning is key here: it means surviving day-to-day using only what nature provides without relying on outside help.
2. Absence of Formal Currency
One of the most striking features is that there is no need for money. Because everyone produces what they need, there is no buying or selling. While some might use basic bartering for specific items, the disadvantages of bartering eventually led other societies to ask, “why do we need money?” and develop systems like the promissory note.
3. Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle
Life is built around hunting animals and gathering wild plants. This is one of the primary types of economic activity found in these cultures.
4. Subsistence Living
This means meeting only basic needs like food, water, and shelter. There is no “profit motive” or surplus production for trade. You can learn more about the advantages of direct exchange within these close-knit groups.
5. Spiritual Beliefs and Harmony
Traditional societies are deeply spiritual. For example, in many local contexts, there are 2 ways African traditional religion contributes to a harmonious society by fostering community and respect for the environment.
6. Simple Technology and Cultural Norms
Instead of advanced machinery, these societies rely on hard work and basic tools. Every part of life is governed by strong cultural values and ancestral practices.
Examples of Traditional Societies Around the World
These traditional society examples show how diverse human culture is and how some communities have thrived for millennia without modern banks or the question of “where does money come from?“
San People (Southern Africa)
Found across Southern Africa, the San (Khoisan) have existed for over 20,000 years. They are world-renowned for their tracking skills and deep connection to the land.
Twa People (Central Africa)
The Twa people live in the high-altitude forests of Central Africa and have maintained their traditional way of life for over 10,000 years.
Inuit (Arctic Regions)
Living in Alaska and Northern Canada for 4,000 years, the Inuit demonstrate incredible self-reliance in one of the Earth’s harshest climates.
Yanomami (Amazon Rainforest)
The Yanomami have lived in the Amazon Rainforest for over 1,000 years, relying on a mix of gathering and small-scale gardening.
Aborigines (Australia)
Regarded as one of the oldest continuous civilizations on Earth, the Aborigines have inhabited Australia for over 65,000 years.
Maori (New Zealand)
The Maori arrived in New Zealand around 1,000 years ago and developed a rich, complex traditional society based on tribal leadership and deep spiritual laws.
Gond Tribes (India)
The Gond tribes are one of the largest tribal groups in India, maintaining their cultural identity and traditional economic activities for over 4,000 years.
Grade 7 EMS: The Economy & History of Money
Here is the simplified Table of Contents for your Grade 7 EMS module:
| Lesson Heading (Linked) | Topic Summary |
| Characteristics of Traditional Societies | Core features of ancient, self-reliant communities. |
| Can You Imagine a World Without Money? | How ancestors thrived through sharing and nature. |
| Where Does Money Come From? | The transition from physical goods to currency. |
| Exploring the Meaning of Traditional Society in 2026 | Why ancient values still matter in the modern world. |
| Advantages of Bartering | The benefits of trading goods without cash. |
| Why Traditional Societies Did Not Need Money | How survival worked through self-sufficiency. |
| 2 Ways African Traditional Religion Contributes to Harmony | Ubuntu and respect as tools for community peace. |
| Promissory Note 101: How Money is Issued | Understanding the “promise to pay” system. |
| Five Types of Economic Activity in Traditional Society | Hunting, farming, herding, making, and bartering. |
| Self-Sufficient Meaning: Living Without Markets | Providing for all basic needs independently. |
| Traditional Society Examples | Lessons from the San, Inuit, and Yanomami people. |
| Why Do We Need Money? From Bartering to Currency | Why swapping goods became too difficult for trade. |
| Disadvantages of Bartering | Problems like rotting goods and double coincidence of wants. |
| Bartering Meaning: The Complete History Guide | A deep dive into the world’s oldest trade system. |
| What is a Traditional Society? | Full definition and evolution for Grade 7 prep. |
| What is Modern Society? | Features of our current high-tech, money-based era. |
| What is Bartering? (The Tradeless Exchange) | Everything you need to know about trading without cash. |
| Modern Society vs. Traditional Society: 7 Key Differences | A side-by-side comparison for exam revision. |