Book

Features of person and society in Swat: collected essays on Pathans

Routledge and Kegan Paul2 • Published In 1981 • Pages: 6, 190

By: Barth, Fredrik.

Abstract
This is a comparative, theoretical study which reveals the progression of the author's thinking on the social system in the mountain-valley region of Swat. The first two-thirds of the book (Chapters 1-6) are reprinted essays analyzing the dominant features of social organization, including observations that were made in Barth's original fieldwork in 1954. A re-assessment of the author's earlier works as well as a response to his chief critics, especially Ahmed (1976) and Asad (1972) are presented in Chapter 7. (See 2:Ahmed; the Asad material has thus far not been processed for the file.) Barth applies various theoretical and organizational models to explain the territorial and social distribution of authority (Chapters 1 and 7), the rule of descent and the kinship basis of social groups (Chapter 3) and the priorities in Pashtun social and sexual relationships (Chapter 4). Barth describes social groupings among the Pashtun as having a caste and occupational component (Chapter 2). Such groups are also presented as contractual, patron-client arrangements and as lineage segments which enable tribal groups to form variable alliances and oppositions with each other (Chapters 2 and 3). The identity of Pashtun with respect to other groups occupying the same or adjacent territories is discussed in Chapters 1 and 5, while identity maintenance within Pashtun society is considered in Chapter 6. Much of the discussion in essence concerns group formation, particularly the roles of leaders and their efforts in securing a following. However, the precise nature of Pashtun social organization, both before and after Swat is incorporated into Pakistan (in 1969), remains a complex matter despite Barth's efforts to revitalize his theoretical position.
Subjects
Territorial hierarchy
Ethnic stratification
Castes
Occupational specialization
Lineages
Real property
Acculturation and culture contact
Social relationships and groups
Sociocultural trends
Community heads
Prophets and ascetics
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Chief executive
culture
Pashtun
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Central Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Delores Walters ; Gerald Reid ; 1988
Field Date
1954, 1960, 1974, 1978, 1979
Coverage Date
nineteenth century - 1970s
Coverage Place
Swat region, northern Pakistan
Notes
Fredrik Barth
Includes bibliographical references (p. 182-185)
LCCN
80041524
LCSH
Pushtuns