SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND SHIFTING AGRICULTURE OF THE WHITE MEO
Abstract
The particular communities which are discussed in this paper are located in the Hong Dong and Chom Thong districts of Chiengmai Province. In this region, settlements of more than 40 households are rare, and the hamlets, located on mountain ridges, average 7 to 35 households. The report deals with marriage and courtship customs; the complex social structure of clans, households, and family units; and the interrelationships of these groups within the community. Patrilinenally related households settle close together, forming localized patrilineages. Descent is traced through agnates, and transmission of property on death also is through agnatic kin. Residence after marriage is patrilocal and it is the common practice for the newly married couple to live in the household of the husband's father. The White Meo often establish a marriage bond with the father of a suitable marriage partner, whereby the child, born or unborn, is promised to the son or daughter of the other party in marriage. A girl promised under such a contract usually is required to marry, although a boy can void the contract on payment of a small fine. Bridewealth must be paid before a wife can be considered a member of her husband's clan. Lengthy negotiations, handled by representatives of the wife-takers and wife-givers, precede the marriage. Examples and case histories are cited in the report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 15, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0672354
Entities
People
- George A. Binney