Abstract
In an effort to find order in the apparent of Navajo kinship organization above the level of the homesite, Aberle (1981) has defined a larger social the coresident kin group, to which he ascribes six characteristics. This paper offers a limited test of Aberle's formulation with historical data on Navajo families near Window Rock, Arizona. The main sources of information are several sets of documents from around 1940 and the recollections of local people themselves. The data concern mainly the sharing of range and other land-based resources, and in general substantiate Aberle's formulation. The paper concludes with the point that the amorphousness of large-scale kin groups may be the result of contradictory aspects of the mercantile and industrial capitalism that have dominated the modern Navajo political economy. These systems have simultaneously encouraged large kin-based and other collectivities and weakened them by fostering economic individualism.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
