Tribe

Definition

A Tribe is a social division within a traditional society, typically composed of families or communities linked by:

• Blood ties
• Shared culture and dialect
• Common economic or religious practices
• Often governed by a recognized leader or council

This form of organization is especially prevalent among indigenous peoples, nomadic groups, and historically non-urban societies.

Context

Taxonomy:

• Anthropological = A group with shared ancestry, customs, and territory, often with oral traditions and kinship-based governance.
• Sociological = A close-knit group united by identity, values, or lifestyle—e.g., “a tribe of artists” or “startup tribes.”
• Political (Roman origin) = One of the original divisions of Roman citizens, later expanded into administrative units.