Clan vs Tribe
While the terms clan and tribe may seem similar, there are distinct differences between them. A clan is a group of people who have come together through kinship or descent relationships. Clan members may not necessarily know their ancestral history, but they are united under a leader. On the other hand, a tribe is a group of people who are generally self-sufficient and not integrated with the mainstream culture of a nation.
Key Takeaways
- A clan is a group of people united through kinship relationships, while a tribe is a group of people who share a common ancestry and are self-sufficient.
- Clans often have a symbolic kinship bond, while tribes have strong connections with the place they live in and value equality and brotherhood.
- Clans typically practice exogamy, meaning members are not allowed to marry within the same clan, while tribes are more homogenous and often marry within the same tribal group.
What is a Clan?
A clan can be defined as a group of people who have united due to kinship relationships. These kinship relations may not always be actual, but can be recognized through certain facts. Clan members often live together, and if their common ancestry is unknown, they will typically keep a symbolic kinship bond by sharing a designated common ancestor. This common ancestor may not always be human, sometimes taking the form of a non-human representation called a “totem.” Clans are often exogamous, meaning members are not allowed to marry within the same clan, and they are considered part of the mainstream nation, sometimes referred to as sub-tribal groups.
What is a Tribe?
A tribe can be recognized as a group of people who live together, share common land, and are distinct from the mainstream culture of a nation. Tribes are often self-sufficient and have their own customs, traditions, and beliefs. These groups of people are very distinct and independent from the larger dominant society. Tribal people may be referred to as indigenous people, depending on the area in which they live. Some tribal groups have migrated to other countries, and they cannot be considered indigenous groups. Key features of tribes include members being tied together by kinship relations and having a strong connection with the place they live in. Tribes are mostly self-sufficient, living a distinct lifestyle separate from mainstream society, and they value equality and brotherhood.
What is the difference between Clan and Tribe?
- Definitions: A clan is a group of people with actual or perceived ancestry, also called sub-groups of tribes, while a tribe is a group of people who share a common ancestry and are mostly self-sufficient.
- Marriage: Clans encourage exogamy, while tribes are mostly homogenous and marry within the same tribal group.
