What is a Clan? Definition, Characteristics, Types and Examples

Clans are an important topic of discussion in  sociology and anthropology . Specifically related to  social differentiation learning material . The reason is because differences within these clans are horizontal so they do not create various  examples of social problems  if every  individual and group  is aware of them.

But apart from that, kinship is related to  the social system  of kinship in  the sense of family.

Clan (Clan)

Clan is recognized or not as a term that originates from the English language  clan  based on the  social relationship segment  in the sense of kinship between someone and another, especially in relation to family. For this reason, it is not clear that clans have anything to do with human life on the surface of the earth as members of society.

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Definition of Clan

Clan is a depiction related to  the form of a social group  that is united in feelings and kinship relationships, so this is related to descendants who are divided based on  the meaning of ethnicitycultural meaning , and  the meaning  of the same race .

Definition of Clan According to Experts

The definition of clan according to experts includes;

  1. Dwi Laning (2009) , Clan is a form of unity based on kinship relationships with an emphasis on shared hereditary factors, namely on blood (genealogical) relationships within a person in  his or her social environment .
  2. Koentjaraningrat , the definition of clan is a form of  social organization  in society based on blood descent so that in the process of formulating it there is a structure and the role of each person in an effort to strengthen family relationships within it.

Clan Characteristics

There are several characteristics of clans, namely;

  1. In  social processes and social interactions  there is a close relationship
  2. Forming a unity based on the same hereditary factors
  3. Forming cooperative relationships between members for an unspecified period of time (forever)

Kind of Clan

As for the various forms of clan. That is;

  1. Patrilineal Clan , patrilineal clan has the same meaning as  patriacy , which at least reflects the relationship between the father’s woman and the father’s brother. So in its application itself we see the concept of a close relationship.
  2. Matrilineal Clans : Matrilineal clans look at the sibling relationships of members of the mother’s male group, mother’s sisters, mother’s brothers and mother’s sisters.
  3. Small Clan , the meaning of small clan is a social group that sees kinship consisting of one ancestor through the father’s or mother’s lineage.
  4. Large clan , the definition of a large clan is a form of kinship group consisting of one ancestor.
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Clan Example

Which is an example of the existence of clans in  the object of sociological study . For example;

1. Batak

In Batak society, clan relationships apply, where this relationship is based on the father. So it is not surprising that in Indonesia a person’s name, especially those related to the Batak tribe, always has a surname.

Where this clan is more inclined towards kinship relations from the father. For this reason, Batak society can be said to be  a form of patrilineal social system.

2. Minangkabau

This is different with the Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra. Where blood relations or kinship are seen from the mother’s lineage, therefore, if the family marries a Minangkabau person, the offspring will be more inclined towards the mother, so they are members of one matrilineal clan.

Conclusion

From the explanation put forward, it can at least be understood that these clan relations are studied more widely and in depth with regard to various approaches to kinship relations within the clan. For this reason, it is usually used as  a social status in the realm of life .

That’s the only article we can share with all readers regarding  the meaning of clan  according to experts, its characteristics, forms and examples in everyday life. Hopefully this can provide insight for those of you who need it.