In anthropological terms, a 'band' typically refers to what kind of social structure?

A 'band' in anthropological terms refers specifically to a small, mobile group of foragers who typically rely on hunting and gathering for their subsistence. This social structure is characterized by relatively equal access to resources, which is facilitated by their mobile lifestyle. Bands usually consist of a few families or individuals who are closely related, and they often move together in search of food and other resources.

The egalitarian nature of bands means that there is little in the way of hierarchical social structure or concentrated wealth, distinguishing them from options that suggest fixed social systems or centralized political structures. As for the sedentary farmers, this reflects a more complex social organization often associated with larger societies that develop agriculture and permanent settlements, quite different from the fluid dynamics of a band. Therefore, the correct choice underscores the key characteristics of bands in anthropological studies: mobility, kinship ties, and egalitarian resource distribution.