|
1st
Century Palestine |
21st
Century USA |
| Patronage
is endemic. |
Patronage
is understated, although
versions of it do
exist in politics, in
the workplace, and in sub-communities of
Mediterranean descent
(Italians, Hispanics,
etc.). |
| Society
is organized by
pyramids of influence,
each headed by a
patron with many
clients. |
Society
is organized by the
stratification of
upper, middle, and
lower classes. |
| The
most valuable
investment one makes
is in the relational, reciprocal
obligations of
patronage. |
The
most valuable
investment one makes
is in financial
capital, such as land,
buildings, or stocks;
or intellectual
capital (education). |
| An
interlocking web of
relational
indebtedness holds
society together. |
An
interlocking web of
economic indebtedness
holds society
together. |
| Politics
revolve around dyadic,
one-on-one
relationships. |
Politics
revolve around group
or class
relationships. |
| "Influence
peddling" is
regarded as a moral
duty, and is conducted
openly, even with
great fanfare. |
"Influence
peddling" is
regarded as morally
suspect, and is
conducted secretly or
quietly. |
