Duddie's Branch in rural Kentucky might be the most dysfunctional society in American history. -Severe malnutrition -Unopposed pedophilia -Near total dependence on welfare -Total lack of basic hygiene -Children unable to sing, play simple games, or identify common animals -Zero
You could potentially argue they were the most dysfunctional society in human history. Anthropology is full of disturbingly sick societies, but even those were capable of scraping by on hunting, farming etc. Duddie's Branch was dependent on welfare, and residents lacked the
There are a few accounts of isolated, highly degraded rural hamlets scattered throughout North America that survived into the late 20th century. Goler Clan in Eastern Canada is one example. In addition to their geographic isolation, they are also socially isolated. They are
1. Small, isolated communities can experience tech loss. Independent tech innovation is rare, so what is lost may never be regained. 2. Small, isolated communities that experience a traumatic event (ex. famine) may experience social and institutional collapse. Once again