Differing Cultural Patterns
	l There were sharp differences with contemporary European and Asian societies. l Most Indian societies were kin-based, with communal ownership of resources. l Material wealth was not important for social rank. l Women were subordinate to men, but in many societies held important political and social roles. l They had a central role in crop production. l Indians, unlike Europeans and Asians, viewed themselves as part of the ecological system, not in control of it.