subsistence theory

Subsistence theory refers to a concept in economics and anthropology that focuses on how societies meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and other essentials. It posits that the way people produce and consume resources influences their social structures, economic systems, and cultural practices. In simple terms, it highlights that societies primarily organize around their ability to sustain themselves, whether through agriculture, hunting, or gathering. This theory emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and the relationship between resource availability and societal development.