Question

In pre-industrial societies, written knowledge had replaced orally transmitted culture and history and therefore lowered the status of elders. What was the impact of written knowledge on the status of elders in pre-industrial societies?

Answer 1

In pre-industrial societies, the introduction of written knowledge lowered the status of elders by replacing orally transmitted culture and history. Elders were no longer the sole custodians of knowledge as written records became the primary source of information.

Step-by-step explanation:

In pre-industrial societies, the introduction of written knowledge had an impact on the status of elders. Written knowledge replaced orally transmitted culture and history, which lowered the significance of elders as the primary keepers of knowledge in the community. With the emergence of written texts, knowledge became accessible to a wider audience and was no longer solely controlled by the older generation.

Previously, elders played a crucial role in preserving and sharing cultural traditions and historical accounts through oral storytelling and mythologies. Their wisdom and experience were highly respected, and they held a position of authority within the community. However, with the onset of written knowledge, the reliance on elders for the transmission of knowledge diminished, and the status of elders significantly changed.