How did social classes operate in traditional Deg Xinag villages?

In traditional Deg Xinag villages, social organization was characterized by an informal stratification into three distinct classes of families.1

• Common people: This group made up the majority of the village, typically comprising at least three-quarters of the population.1
• Rich families: Representing about 5 percent of the community, these families achieved their status through superior hunting and fishing abilities or personal industry, which allowed them to accumulate surplus food. They played a central role in leading the village's ceremonial life.1
• Lower-status individuals: The remainder of the population consisted of those who contributed little to the community and relied on others for their subsistence. Because of this lack of industry, they held very little social respect, which often made it difficult for them to find spouses.1

While these informal classes existed, it is important to note that social stratification was not a universal feature across all American Subarctic peoples, as many other groups maintained more egalitarian and mobile social structures.12