Tribal Structure in Palestinian Society
In Palestinian society, tribes and clans occupy a crucial position, particularly in regions where formal governmental authority is undermined or virtually non-existent. While the terms ‘tribes’ and ‘clans’ are often used synonymously, they have distinct definitions that are important to understand in the Palestinian context.
Tribes, known as **qaba’il**, represent the largest and most historically significant units of kinship, especially within Bedouin communities. Each tribe is typically comprised of various clans that all trace their lineage to a common ancestor, however distant that relation may be. In contrast, clans, referred to as **asha’ir**, are smaller kinship groups that can operate as subdivisions of a tribe or as independent entities composed of multiple extended families.
