The Huron: Farmers of the North

            The Huron were able to strike a balance permitting individual and/or group prestige as well as independence while maintaining a high degree of political complexity in their confederation. Particular social features checked accumulation of power and economic exploitation by an individual or group. Other practices also served to produce solidary and integration of individuals within the community. Throughout this essay I plan on discussing how the Huron made all of this possible as well as remaining a functioning society.
             According to Trigger, the Huron manifested themselves in two ways: in a refusal to tolerate any one section of society possessing notably more wealth than another, and in the refusal of any individual or group to obey the commands of another (97). In this society, no family was allowed to go hungry or to be without shelter or any other basic necessities, so long as other people in the community had any possessions to share them with. The Huron expected chiefs and their families to reciprocate for the public support they received by producing and distributing more resources than anybody else.
             The people of the Huron valued conformity. This meant that men and women were judged by their abilities to live up to unvarying ideals about appropriate social behavior. Idiosyncratic behavior was strongly discouraged, except in a few restricted and well-defined social contexts. Because the Huron feared dishonor and criticism, gossip and public criticism were powerful factors making for conformity in Huron life. .
             It is a misconception to associate intolerance of idiosyncratic behavior with lack of respect for the dignity of individuals. The Huron greatly objected to the coercion into behaving contrary to his or her expressed wishes. It was seen as an affront to the clansmen. In the Huron society, men and women were extremely sensitive of their honor and personal independence in their relationships with others.