Zulu tribe in transition: by D.H. Reader

Reader, D. H.

Book

Zulu tribe in transition: by D.H. Reader

Manchester University Press • [Manchester] • Published In 1966 • Pages:

By: Reader, D. H..

Abstract
This source, originally a doctoral thesis at Cambridge University, is a socio-political study of the Makhanya tribe, one of many subdivisions of the Zulu nation, who are located in Umlazi Magistracy District, Umbumbulu Township. The fieldwork was undertaken by the author, accompanied by his wife, during a period of fourteen months during the years 1950-1951. Prior to the actual fieldwork, the author did extensive secondary research in the relevant literature on the Zulu at Cambridge, and further supplemented this background information by attending a series of lectures at the University of Natal in order to learn something of the native language (p. ix). An interpreter, Charlie Njapha, who later turned out to be an excellent informant as well, was used throughout the period of fieldwork. The work is divided into four major sections. Part one, 'the territorial system,' deals generally with Zulu cultural history, tribal background, and economy. Part two, 'the kinship system,' describes family groupings, descent groups, and marriage patterns. Part three, 'the politico-judicial system,' deals primarily with the political organization of the Makhanya, their legal system, and the manner in which they were organized for warfare and the hunt. The final portion of the source, 'social systematics' is a theoretical analysis of structure and value systems and of social change.

Theoretical orientation in research and its results

Acculturation and culture contact

Sociocultural trends

Real property

Exchange and transfers

Cooperative organization