[Front Matter and Table of Contents]: Front matter for the 1995 issue of Sociologus, including the editorial board, table of contents in German and English, and publication information. It lists articles on tribal identity in the Middle East, masculinity in Punjab, banditry in Brazil, and Chinese entrepreneurship in Singapore. [Segmentierte Gesellschaft und segmentäre Theorie: Strukturelle und kulturelle Grundlagen tribaler Identität im Vorderen Orient]: Wolfgang Kraus examines the theoretical debate surrounding segmentary lineage systems in Middle Eastern tribal societies. He contrasts Ernest Gellner's structural-functionalist model of 'pure' segmentation with the 'interpretive' approach of Clifford Geertz, which emphasizes individual agency and cultural meaning over rigid structures. Kraus critiques both for failing to account for the discrepancy between segmentary ideology and actual social practice. Drawing on the work of Emrys Peters, Philip Carl Salzman, and Paul Dresch, Kraus proposes a three-dimensional analytical framework: segmentary ideology (cultural values), structural disposition (the model of group relations), and social practice (actual behavior influenced by material and political factors). This framework is applied to his research on the Ayt Hdiddu Berbers in Morocco to explain how tribal identities persist even after losing traditional political functions. [Case Study: Ayt Hdiddu and Conclusion]: The concluding section of Kraus's article applies his theoretical framework to the Ayt Hdiddu of Morocco. He distinguishes between genealogical and political segmentation, noting that tribal identity remains a significant social force even as the Moroccan state has absorbed traditional tribal political functions. He argues that segmentary models can exist as 'social structures in reserve' or as frameworks for identity that do not always dictate daily political action. [Bibliography and English Synopsis]: Comprehensive bibliography of the cited literature in Wolfgang Kraus's article, followed by an English-language synopsis of the main arguments regarding structural and cultural dimensions of tribal identity. [Sex as Value and Extramarital Male-Female Sexuality]: The author discusses the cultural sensitivity and lack of formal research regarding sexuality in Pakistan, noting a dualism between private explicit talk and public piety. He explores the dynamics of male-female relationships, highlighting the protective yet precarious brother-sister link and the sociological manipulation of 'sister' statuses to frame nonmarital sexual activity. [Male-Male Sex and Intercultural Comparison]: Pfeffer examines male-male sexual practices in Punjabi hostels, emphasizing that these relationships are often defined by status inequality (active vs. passive) rather than the Western concept of 'homosexuality'. He provides an extensive intercultural comparison, citing examples from Oman, New Guinea, and Siberia to argue that sexuality is a social construct tied to cultural boundaries and ritual roles. [The Khusra: Social Identity and Classification]: This section introduces the khusra as a distinct South Asian gender identity that is neither male nor female. It details their internal social organization, including the distinction between castrated members and the 'zenana' (part-time crossdressers), their classification into clans (zat) and lineages (lari), and how their community mirrors the political and hierarchical structures of broader Punjabi society. [The Way of Life and Ritual Meaning of the Khusra]: Pfeffer analyzes the ritual role of the khusra in Punjabi life-cycle ceremonies, particularly the birth of sons. He argues that as 'unsexed' people who have sacrificed their own reproductive potential, they serve as auspicious 'sex-givers' who ensure the fertility and virility of the community. Their presence and performances (vadhai) are viewed as a form of sacrificial service (faqir) that maintains the social and biological continuity of lineages. [Intercultural Comparison of Male Sexuality and the Khusra]: This concluding section compares Punjabi concepts of male sexuality and the khusra identity with other cultural models, including the Latin 'boy of pleasure', the Omani xanith, and the North American berdache. The author argues that while there are superficial resemblances to shamans or cross-dressers in other societies, the khusra's role is uniquely defined by the South Asian caste system and the religious provision of virility and fertility, functioning as an auspicious ritual specialist despite low social status. [References and German Synopsis (Punjabi Masculinity)]: A comprehensive list of academic references cited in the preceding article on Punjabi masculinity and the khusra, followed by a German-language synopsis summarizing the main findings regarding male sexuality and the ritual role of the khusra caste in Pakistan. [Cangaçeiros and Fanatics: Banditry in Northeastern Brazil]: This extensive essay by Dirk Hegmanns analyzes the phenomena of the Cangaço (social banditry) and 'fanatic' religious communities in Northeastern Brazil between 1870 and 1940. It explores how extreme social inequality, the monopoly of land by the latifundia, and the 'Great Drought' of 1877 led to mass migration and a subsequent rise in armed resistance. Hegmanns distinguishes between 'noble' robbers and 'avengers', arguing that these movements were primitive forms of social protest that laid the groundwork for later organized peasant movements like the Ligas Camponesas. The text also details the violent state suppression of communities like Canudos and Caldeirão. [Trust and Chinese Economic Action in Singapore]: Thomas Menkhoff examines the role of 'xinyong' (trust/trustworthiness) in the economic activities of Chinese small enterprises in Singapore. Drawing on sociological theories from Luhmann and Weber, the essay explores how personal trust serves as a functional equivalent to formal legal contracts in a high-risk international trade environment. It analyzes the cultural mechanisms of trust, such as 'face' (mianzi), reputation, and the role of trade associations in enforcing cooperation through social sanctions. The study challenges the 'kinship thesis', finding that many entrepreneurs actually avoid business with close relatives to prevent moral hazards, preferring instead 'trusted' networks built through long-term interaction. [Reports: Literature Review of Ethnology Handbooks]: Thomas Bierschenk provides a critical review of three major ethnological introductory works and handbooks: the 'Handbuch der Ethnologie' (ed. Schweizer et al.), Karl-Heinz Kohl's introduction to ethnology, and Jacques Lombard's French introduction. Bierschenk criticizes the 'Handbuch' for its lack of historical context and methodological gaps, while praising Kohl's work for its consistent definition of ethnology as the 'science of the culturally foreign'. The review highlights a trend in German ethnology toward fixation on North American debates (postmodernism, hermeneutics) and the relative neglect of French and British traditions. [Book Review: Agrarian Crisis and Urbanization in Yucatan]: Eveline Dürr reviews Harald Moßbrucker's study on the socio-economic development of Yucatan, Mexico. The review covers the historical rise and fall of the Henequén (agave fiber) industry, the subsequent agrarian crisis, and the resulting urbanization and migration toward Mérida and the tourist centers of the East Coast (Cancun). While Dürr notes some methodological weaknesses in the fieldwork presentation, she commends the work for its insights into internal migration patterns and the transition of peasants to urban wage laborers.
Front matter for the 1995 issue of Sociologus, including the editorial board, table of contents in German and English, and publication information. It lists articles on tribal identity in the Middle East, masculinity in Punjab, banditry in Brazil, and Chinese entrepreneurship in Singapore.
Read full textWolfgang Kraus examines the theoretical debate surrounding segmentary lineage systems in Middle Eastern tribal societies. He contrasts Ernest Gellner's structural-functionalist model of 'pure' segmentation with the 'interpretive' approach of Clifford Geertz, which emphasizes individual agency and cultural meaning over rigid structures. Kraus critiques both for failing to account for the discrepancy between segmentary ideology and actual social practice. Drawing on the work of Emrys Peters, Philip Carl Salzman, and Paul Dresch, Kraus proposes a three-dimensional analytical framework: segmentary ideology (cultural values), structural disposition (the model of group relations), and social practice (actual behavior influenced by material and political factors). This framework is applied to his research on the Ayt Hdiddu Berbers in Morocco to explain how tribal identities persist even after losing traditional political functions.
Read full textThe concluding section of Kraus's article applies his theoretical framework to the Ayt Hdiddu of Morocco. He distinguishes between genealogical and political segmentation, noting that tribal identity remains a significant social force even as the Moroccan state has absorbed traditional tribal political functions. He argues that segmentary models can exist as 'social structures in reserve' or as frameworks for identity that do not always dictate daily political action.
Read full textComprehensive bibliography of the cited literature in Wolfgang Kraus's article, followed by an English-language synopsis of the main arguments regarding structural and cultural dimensions of tribal identity.
Read full textThe author discusses the cultural sensitivity and lack of formal research regarding sexuality in Pakistan, noting a dualism between private explicit talk and public piety. He explores the dynamics of male-female relationships, highlighting the protective yet precarious brother-sister link and the sociological manipulation of 'sister' statuses to frame nonmarital sexual activity.
Read full textPfeffer examines male-male sexual practices in Punjabi hostels, emphasizing that these relationships are often defined by status inequality (active vs. passive) rather than the Western concept of 'homosexuality'. He provides an extensive intercultural comparison, citing examples from Oman, New Guinea, and Siberia to argue that sexuality is a social construct tied to cultural boundaries and ritual roles.
Read full textThis section introduces the khusra as a distinct South Asian gender identity that is neither male nor female. It details their internal social organization, including the distinction between castrated members and the 'zenana' (part-time crossdressers), their classification into clans (zat) and lineages (lari), and how their community mirrors the political and hierarchical structures of broader Punjabi society.
Read full textPfeffer analyzes the ritual role of the khusra in Punjabi life-cycle ceremonies, particularly the birth of sons. He argues that as 'unsexed' people who have sacrificed their own reproductive potential, they serve as auspicious 'sex-givers' who ensure the fertility and virility of the community. Their presence and performances (vadhai) are viewed as a form of sacrificial service (faqir) that maintains the social and biological continuity of lineages.
Read full textThis concluding section compares Punjabi concepts of male sexuality and the khusra identity with other cultural models, including the Latin 'boy of pleasure', the Omani xanith, and the North American berdache. The author argues that while there are superficial resemblances to shamans or cross-dressers in other societies, the khusra's role is uniquely defined by the South Asian caste system and the religious provision of virility and fertility, functioning as an auspicious ritual specialist despite low social status.
Read full textA comprehensive list of academic references cited in the preceding article on Punjabi masculinity and the khusra, followed by a German-language synopsis summarizing the main findings regarding male sexuality and the ritual role of the khusra caste in Pakistan.
Read full textThis extensive essay by Dirk Hegmanns analyzes the phenomena of the Cangaço (social banditry) and 'fanatic' religious communities in Northeastern Brazil between 1870 and 1940. It explores how extreme social inequality, the monopoly of land by the latifundia, and the 'Great Drought' of 1877 led to mass migration and a subsequent rise in armed resistance. Hegmanns distinguishes between 'noble' robbers and 'avengers', arguing that these movements were primitive forms of social protest that laid the groundwork for later organized peasant movements like the Ligas Camponesas. The text also details the violent state suppression of communities like Canudos and Caldeirão.
Read full textThomas Menkhoff examines the role of 'xinyong' (trust/trustworthiness) in the economic activities of Chinese small enterprises in Singapore. Drawing on sociological theories from Luhmann and Weber, the essay explores how personal trust serves as a functional equivalent to formal legal contracts in a high-risk international trade environment. It analyzes the cultural mechanisms of trust, such as 'face' (mianzi), reputation, and the role of trade associations in enforcing cooperation through social sanctions. The study challenges the 'kinship thesis', finding that many entrepreneurs actually avoid business with close relatives to prevent moral hazards, preferring instead 'trusted' networks built through long-term interaction.
Read full textThomas Bierschenk provides a critical review of three major ethnological introductory works and handbooks: the 'Handbuch der Ethnologie' (ed. Schweizer et al.), Karl-Heinz Kohl's introduction to ethnology, and Jacques Lombard's French introduction. Bierschenk criticizes the 'Handbuch' for its lack of historical context and methodological gaps, while praising Kohl's work for its consistent definition of ethnology as the 'science of the culturally foreign'. The review highlights a trend in German ethnology toward fixation on North American debates (postmodernism, hermeneutics) and the relative neglect of French and British traditions.
Read full textEveline Dürr reviews Harald Moßbrucker's study on the socio-economic development of Yucatan, Mexico. The review covers the historical rise and fall of the Henequén (agave fiber) industry, the subsequent agrarian crisis, and the resulting urbanization and migration toward Mérida and the tourist centers of the East Coast (Cancun). While Dürr notes some methodological weaknesses in the fieldwork presentation, she commends the work for its insights into internal migration patterns and the transition of peasants to urban wage laborers.
Read full text