Kinship and polity in stateless societies

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 80 • Published In 1974 • Pages: 301-320 •

By Paige, Jeffery M.

Abstract

This article suggests a theory of the relationship between rules of descent and polity structure. The author suggests that “polity structure in stateless societies is a consequence of the presence or absence of cohesive factions based on lineage or family” (301). Two types of kinship ties produce different polity structures: cross-cutting ties, common in matrilineal societies, lead to political consensus; overlapping ties, common in patrilineal societies, lead to factionalism. Empirical tests support this theory.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Other
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
"Fraternal interest groups based on members of the same lineage should be more common in patrilineal than in matrilineal societies" (309)	Supported
". . . small extended and polygynous families which are most likely to form fraternal interest groups are . . . more likely in patrilineal societies" (312)	Supported
". . . cohesive kinship groupings should appear as important elements of the political structure in partilineal but not in matrilineal societies" (312)	Supported
"Patrilocal residence in bilateral societies should produce factional polities, while matrilocal residence should create communal polities" (316)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas Amelia Piazza

Kinship and polity in stateless societies

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 80 • Published In 1974 • Pages: 301-320 • Cite

By Paige, Jeffery M.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 80 • Published In 1974 • Pages: 301-320 •