The Ju/’hoansi protocol
https://aeon.co/essays/what-the-ju-hoansi-can-tell-us-about-group-decision-making
By Sam Dresser
In the late 1950s, the Dilemma of the Deserted Husband played out among the G/wi hunter-gatherers, a subgroup of the Ju/’hoansi in the Kalahari Desert. When a woman named N!onag//ei left her husband, /wikhwema, for his best friend, /amg//ao, the community faced a challenge. /wikhwema’s incessant complaining became a burden, and since he was a key member of the band, relocation wasn’t an option. After a year of deliberation, the band agreed on a novel solution: polyandry. This allowed N!onag//ei to be married to both /amg//ao and /wikhwema, easing tensions within the group.
This dilemma illustrates the Ju/’hoansi’s approach to decision-making, which relies heavily on consensus. Unlike modern societies where decisions are often made by leaders or through voting, the Ju/’hoansi prioritize collective deliberation. This method ensures that all voices are heard and considered, aiming for a solution everyone can accept, even if it’s not perfect. This practice is not just a relic of the past but a process shaped by hundreds of thousands of years of human experience.
The anthropologist Megan Biesele observed this process firsthand in the 1970s. In Ju/’hoansi society, leadership is temporary and based on knowledge, with leaders refraining from early opinion to avoid influencing others. Decision-making starts informally among friends and neighbors before moving to larger community discussions. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, is encouraged to participate. This inclusivity ensures a diverse range of perspectives and reduces the risk of groupthink, where social conformity pressures suppress dissenting opinions and crucial information.
The Ju/’hoansi method also addresses the risks of fragmentation, where disagreements can lead to group splits. By fostering a culture of respect and open dialogue, they maintain cohesion. Leaders guide discussions without coercion, and decisions are made by consensus, not majority rule. This approach prevents the resentment and division that can arise from voting and ensures decisions are seen as the group’s collective choice.
Understanding the Ju/’hoansi’s decision-making process can offer valuable insights for modern societies. Their emphasis on dialogue, inclusivity, and consensus helps avoid the pitfalls of both groupthink and fragmentation. In a time of increasing polarization, these ancient practices might offer a path toward more cooperative and effective decision-making.
This summary was written with the help of AI.