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Ways of Acquiring Mate in Tribal Society — 2018 Paper I
Question · 2018 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Ways of Acquiring Mate in Tribal Society
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Describe the different customary mechanisms through which marriage partners are acquired in tribal societies.
- Structuring the Response: Classify major forms such as negotiation, bride-price, service, exchange, capture and elopement, with appropriate examples.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Negotiation, bridewealth, service, exchange, capture, probation, elopement and social recognition of marriage.
Model Answer
Introduction: Tribal societies possess diverse culturally sanctioned ways of acquiring a mate. These mechanisms regulate marriage through kinship, economic exchange, individual choice and community approval.
Major forms
- Marriage by negotiation: Families negotiate the union according to customary rules. It is among the most widespread forms.
- Marriage by purchase/bridewealth: The groom’s family transfers wealth or goods to the bride’s family. Bridewealth signifies recognition of rights and obligations rather than literal purchase of the woman.
- Marriage by service: A man works for the prospective bride’s family for a stipulated period when immediate bridewealth cannot be provided. Such practices have been reported among groups including the Gonds and Baigas.
- Marriage by exchange: Two families exchange women in marriage, reducing or eliminating bridewealth obligations.
- Marriage by capture: Actual or ceremonial capture has historically been reported among some tribal populations.
- Marriage by elopement: Couples marry by escaping parental or kin opposition and later seek social recognition.
- Marriage by probation: Prospective spouses may live together or interact for a socially sanctioned period before final marriage.
Thus:
Custom + Kinship rules + Economic obligations + Individual choice → Marriage
Conclusion: Ways of acquiring mates demonstrate that tribal marriage is not a single institution but a flexible mechanism linking kinship, property, alliance and personal choice.
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