Politics, Law and Ritual in Tribal Society

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What can we learn from tribal societies about how groups of men resolve conflicts? This work compares nearly forty case study societies, primarily in Africa, examining their pre-colonial tribal conditions and contrasting small-scale social relations with larger contexts. Gluckman emphasizes that custom is central to all anthropology while also exploring economy, politics, and social relationships. He presents a concise synthesis of his extensive analysis, organized thematically, with ethnographic examples illustrating theoretical questions. The text discusses the interplay between disputes and power struggles, focusing on social control and stability mechanisms. Additionally, Gluckman provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of anthropological analysis of tribal institutions from the nineteenth century to the present, arguing for anthropology as a science. A new introduction by Sally Falk Moore and a postscript detailing Gluckman's professional activities and publications offer valuable insights for newcomers, enhancing understanding of both the content and context of Gluckman's influential work.