Concept in anthropology
A complex society is characterized by the following modern features:
- Organizational society wherein its economy is structured according to specialization and a division of labor. These economic features spawn a bureaucratic class and institutionalize inequality.[1]
- Archaeologically, features such as big architectural projects and prescribed burial rites.[1]
- 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.[2]