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For the Iroquois, matrilineal decent sometimes meant that women yielded more power in society, where wealth could be transferred through the female line. Nevertheless, the Iroquois, relative to colonists they encountered in the 17th-18th centuries, often displayed relatively more limited wealth disparities and showed evidence of equality towards the sexes. However, even Iroquois did keep slaves and wealth differences among leading families and chiefs were evident. The Iroquois, unlike some of the other societies, were relatively larger and, in fact, formed a federation of tribes. In effect, they may have been one of the larger societies we know where, at least on the surface, there was a developed economy revolved around collectivism.<ref>For more on the Iroquois economic system, see: Michael K. Foster, Jack Campisi, & Marianne Mithun (eds.) (1984) <i> Extending the rafters: interdisciplinary approaches to Iroquoian studies </i>. Albany, State University of New York Press.</ref>
There is evidence that ancient societies often debated wealth inequality and how much should socialist ideals be integrated in society. Both Plato and Aristotle advocated checks to fully market-based societies, as they felt a more communal approach would better harness societies potential. Sparta in ancient Greece has, at times, been seen as a type of socialist society that treated citizens as equals and that even the leaders lived austere lives that were not that different from average citizens. There is some truth to this, as Sparta's ideals were reflected by values of limiting the self and honor, but this often had to do with military preparation than an economic system. The fact the state was often in perpetual war may have meant that it had to develop an austere approach to its economy and individuals could not flaunt wealth when sacrifice to the state was required during political difficult times.<ref>For more on Sparta, Aristotle and Plato in regards to equality and class, see: Barker, E. (1956) <i>The political thought of Plato and Aristotle</i>. New York, NY, Dover Publ.</ref>
==Modern Socialism==
