Pwo Karen: at the edge of mountain and plain

Hamilton, James W.

Book

Pwo Karen: at the edge of mountain and plain

West Pub. Co. • St. Paul • Published In 1976 • Pages: xxiii, 354

By: Hamilton, James W..

Abstract
This study is concerned with a before-and-after analysis of the Pwo Karen of northern Thailand. The focus is on the social structure, economic organization, and culture change due to natural and cultural variations within the environment. In so doing, the author asking the following: What are the adaptive processes whereby an ethnic culture becomes incorporated within a state as the state expands into local cultures? It shows the increasing dependence of the Karen upon Thai markets, which has caused some loss of cultural autonomy. Many Thai elements are being incorporated into the Karen view and way of life as a direct result of this dependence.

Cultural identity and pride

Community structure

Community heads

Territorial hierarchy

Inter-ethnic relations

External relations

Acculturation and culture contact

Internal trade

Exchange transactions

Labor supply and employment

Settlement patterns

Cereal agriculture