article
The non-localized descent group in traditional China
Ethnology • 18 (1) • Published In 1979 • Pages: 17-29 P.
By: Woon, Yuen-fong.
Abstract
This study examines lineage histories in a southern Chinese county to test two alternative theories on the origins of high-order, non-localized descent groups. One theory stipulates that high-order lineages rise from segmentation, usually due to population growth and pressure on the land. Groups of agnates then move to new locations but remain a member of the larger ancestral group. The alternative theory proposed is that various disparate lineages fuse together for defensive purposes to form a larger aggregate. The findings suggest that the history of these particular lineages reveals both processes of segmentation and aggregation.
- Subjects
- Retail marketing
- Highways and bridges
- Lineages
- Clans
- Districts
- culture
- Han Chinese
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- East Asia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2021
- Field Date
- not applicable
- Coverage Date
- 1230-1940
- Coverage Place
- Hoi-p'ing county, Kwandung province, China
- Notes
- Yuen-fong Woon
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 29)
- LCCN
- 64005713
- LCSH
- China--Social life and customs