In almost all developing and developed societies, tribals are viewed as the ‘other’ — an anachronism or an object of curiosity. Initially marginalized by the creation of the boundaries of the nation-state, these indigenous peoples were further hedged in by colonialism and, then, by the indifferent or patronizing modern state. Forced by technology, the market economy, social pressures and state policy, the way of life of tribal communities has undergone significant change in recent decades. It becomes necessary to enquire as to how these changes were brought about and what their impact was. This volume brings together significant contributions by distinguished Indian and foreign scholars on the sociology of tribes, particularly those of India as also of Africa and Canada. It focuses on the social history of a cross-section of tribes in these three societies, and covers various key issues and questions such as: Is there an acceptable definition of the concept of ‘tribe’? What is meant by the ‘social integration’ of tribals? Examines a variety of issues such as ‘primitive’ law, crime, kinship structures, education, religion and women, and shows how they have undergone extensive changes with the impact of colonialism. Studies a number of diverse tribal groups such as the Bhils, Gonds, Purums, Phanse-Paradhis and Todas in India; the aboriginal Indians, Metis and Mohawks in Canada; and tribal cultures in South Africa, Kenya and Malawi. Focusing chiefly on social change among tribal populations, this volume assists a redefinition of the concept of tribe so as to give it more clarity in the present age. With its insightful contributions, it will be of immense value to teachers, students and scholars of tribal studies, sociology and social anthropology. It will also be of interest to policymakers, administrators and those working with tribal communities.
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