In anthropology, how is an 'agricultural society' defined?

An agricultural society is defined as one that primarily depends on farming and the cultivation of crops for its subsistence. This definition emphasizes the critical role of agriculture as the main mode of food production, which involves the systematic planting and harvesting of crops. In these societies, the practice of agriculture enables people to settle in one location, leading to more permanent structures and communities.

Agricultural societies often develop more complex social structures, including a division of labor, surplus food production, and the possibility of trade. This contrasts with other forms of subsistence, such as foraging or nomadic lifestyles, where the focus is on gathering or hunting rather than farming. The reliance on cultivated crops is a defining characteristic that differentiates agricultural societies from others that may not focus on farming as their primary means of sustenance.