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Notional form of human social organization
- Tribe, in anthropology, a notional form of human social organization based on a set of smaller groups (known as bands), having temporary or permanent political integration, and defined by traditions of common descent, language, culture, and ideology.
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tribe, in anthropology, a notional form of human social organization based on a set of smaller groups (known as bands), having temporary or permanent political integration, and defined by traditions of common descent, language, culture, and ideology.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Definition of A Tribe
- Characteristics of A Tribe
- Evolution of Tribes Over Time
- Case Studies of Tribes
- Impact of Modern Society on Tribes
- Conclusion
A tribe can be defined as a group of people, often related through blood ties, who share common culture, language, and territory, and exhibit a certain degree of social, economic, and political organization. Unlike modern societies, which typically operate under a formal and centralized government structure, tribes function through an informal and ...
Social Organization
Tribes tend to possess a well-defined social organization. They often comprise smaller groups, like families or clans, that together form a larger, cohesive group. The social hierarchy in a tribe, if present, is generally not as rigid as that in a caste or class-based society. Rather, it can be based on various factors such as age, gender, kinship, and individual roles within the community. Kinship ties, particularly, are paramount in tribal societies, influencing aspects ranging from social...
Cultural Norms
The cultural norms of a tribe are unique expressions of its shared beliefs, values, customs, and traditions. They are manifested through language, religion, rituals, art, music, folklore, and other cultural practices. For example, tribal ceremonies and festivals often celebrate natural phenomena, ancestors, gods, or significant life events, reinforcing the shared tribal identity and fostering a sense of unity and continuity.
Economic Structure
Tribes typically have a subsistence-based economy, relying on agriculture, hunting, gathering, fishing, or pastoral activities for survival. Some tribes also practice a barter system for trade within or between tribes. This economic structure is typically characterized by communal ownership and use of resources, reflecting the inherent communal ethos of tribal societies.
The tribal way of life has been subject to significant change over centuries. Historically, tribes were largely self-sufficient and geographically isolated. However, factors such as colonization, modernization, globalization, and nation-building have increasingly impinged upon their autonomy and traditional lifestyles. Many tribes have demonstrated...
The Maasai of East Africa
The Maasai tribe of East Africa, predominantly residing in Kenya and Tanzania, provides an exemplary case of a tribe that has managed to maintain its traditional lifestyle while interacting with modern society. The Maasai are primarily pastoralists, deeply connected to their cattle, both economically and culturally. Despite pressures from modern societies and governments, they have largely resisted agricultural lifestyles and continue to uphold their customs, rituals, and distinct dress.
The Huli of Papua New Guinea
The Huli tribe of Papua New Guinea is renowned for its elaborate ceremonial adornments, particularly the ornate wigs worn by men. While they maintain many traditional practices, they have also shown an adaptive spirit, incorporating aspects of modern society into their way of life. For instance, some Huli men now work in the city or at mining sites, bringing back income that supplements their traditional subsistence farming.
The advent of modern society and the forces of globalization have had profound impacts on tribal societies worldwide. Land encroachment, cultural assimilation, socio-economic marginalization, and environmental degradation are among the challenges they face. Some tribes have succumbed to these pressures, losing their unique cultural identities and t...
In conclusion, understanding tribes extends beyond mere anthropological curiosity. It provides profound insights into humanity’s collective past and varied cultural expressions. As we move forward in the globalized world, it’s crucial to ensure that tribes’ unique cultural identities and traditional knowledge are recognized, preserved, and respecte...
In his Dictionary of concepts in cultural anthropology, Winthrop, for example, defines ‘tribe’ in the following way: ‘A culturally homogenous, nonstratified society possessing a common territory, without centralized political or legal institutions, whose members are linked by extended kinship ties, ritual obligations, and mutual ...
The term tribe is used in many different contexts to refer to a category of human social group. The predominant worldwide usage of the term in English is in the discipline of anthropology . Its definition is contested, in part due to conflicting theoretical understandings of social and kinship structures, and also reflecting the problematic ...
Apr 13, 2020 · True, “tribe” is a troublesome word, bearing the weight of decades of anthropological study that privileged Western civilization over all other traditions. But let...
tribe, tribalism This term usually denotes a social group bound together by kin and duty and associated with a particular territory. Members of the tribe share the social cohesion associated with the family, together with the sense of political autonomy of a nation.
Many anthropology texts do continue to use the term tribal to refer to a specific form of sociopolitical organization based on extended family groups. Many Indigenous groups also use the term to refer to their social groups.
