Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2009, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (6): 148-172.

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Labor Cooperation, Ritual Exchange, and Social Grouping:An Analysis of the Village Community Structure of the Zhuang Nationality in Longji

郭立新   

  • Online:2009-11-20 Published:2009-11-20

Abstract:

This paper attempts to describe and analyze the structure and operation of the clans and villages of the Zhuang Nationality in Longji, Guanxi, to present the constructivist logic in concrete terms of a local society of the Zhuang Nationality. The paper holds that ‘Jiamen’ (clan) is the consanguinity structure of the ambilineal line, on the basis of house as its core structure, and sharing the isomorphism with the household. ‘Wan’ (village) is the consanguineous and geographical combination, a community centering around the village patriarch. ‘Jiamen’ and ‘Wan’ construct themselves based on mutual helping in labor and cooperating in ritual operations. As a reservoir in the house, they represent and carry on the ideal of the Zhuang Nationality to work and live, and to marry with their own people.

Key words:
labor cooperation ,
 ritual exchange , Social Structure , village , Zhuang Nationality