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Tribes Books
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Northcote Whitridge Thomas
Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia
"Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia" by Northcote Whitridge Thomas is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intricate kinship structures and marriage practices among Australian Aboriginal societies, focusing specifically on totem kins, phratries, and the dynamics of group marriage. The text serves as a comprehensive examination intended to deepen understanding of the social fabric of these communities and encourage further research in this area of anthropology. The opening of the work establishes the author's intent to provide an in-depth survey of Australian kinship systems, distinguishing between various forms of social organisation based on birth rather than individual choice. Thomas discusses the persistence of the family system alongside tribal structures and highlights the complexity of kinship definitions, emphasizing the importance of both physiological and sociological factors in understanding these relationships. He outlines the significance of totem kins and the regulatory role they play in marriage prohibitions, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of kinship terms and their implications for social structures in Australia.
Hugh E. (Hugh Exton) Seebohm
On The Structure of Greek Tribal Society: An Essay
"On The Structure of Greek Tribal Society: An Essay" by Hugh E. Seebohm is an academic treatise focused on the social structures of ancient Greece, written in the late 19th century. This work aims to analyze and outline the intricate dynamics of kinship, inheritance, and social obligations within Greek tribal society, drawing comparisons with other known tribal systems, particularly those in Wales and India. The opening of the essay begins with a preface where Seebohm acknowledges the influences behind his work, particularly his father's research on tribal systems. He expresses a desire for his insights to be evaluated on their own merits while introducing the complex nature of Greek social structures, which were marked by various migrations and settlements. Seebohm emphasizes the importance of kinship bonds and the social cohesion derived from shared bloodlines, while also laying the groundwork for his comparative analysis with other cultural practices and their underlying tribal customs. This opening sets a scholarly tone for a detailed exploration of Greek social organization.
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