Middle Archaic communities, most substantially larger than Early Archaic settlements, were probably homes to extended families that included grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and their families. It is likely that some members of other groups joined the community by marriage. Men, women, and children had many day-to-day responsibilities. Archaeologists believe that some members of Middle Archaic communities were leaders. Leadership probably was based on accomplishment and strength of personality.

Late Archaic communities worked in much the same way as during the Middle Archaic. Everyone had responsibilities. The discovery of elaborate artifacts in the graves of some Late Archaic people-but not others-suggests that some people were especially important. These important people may have been leaders; some may have been great hunters, others may have been spiritual leaders.