[quote=“Urban Scout, post:8, topic:513”]I have found the word “tribe” to trip me up over the years. I prefer to think of group subsistence as “socio-economic networks.”
The term “tribe” carries with it all kinds of connotations that limit what you can do, and who you can work with. For example, a small group of people who put on an event work together for a short amount of time, and than disband. I think the key word there is dis-band. They formed a band, did a job, and moved on. Like a hunting party in a larger tribe, a few people get together, go on a hunt, and afterwards break up and return to their seperate circles. Of course, everyone contributes to the subsistence of each family and so-on, but the idea of a “tribe” of a few individuals who always work together on the same project forever… I think limits the functionality and fluidity that come with socio-economic networks. Think about Pirates. They would form a crew for a little while, get some living made, and than disband. The same groups may form again, but the idea of the seasonal jobs or temporary partnerships that support each of their own little circles is what intrigues me the most about this model.
Even in Daniel Quinns Beyond Civilization, I didn’t feel satisfied with his idea of “tribal businesses” because they seemed to frame the business in a way that felt limited.
I don’t know if this is making any sense.[/quote]
Peter,
I think I understand, I mean, giving a name to anything limits it, automatically giving it standards and guidelines that have to be followed in order to be called whatever it’s called… I guess I am looking at it from a point of view of a group of people that you trust, can count on for anything, are supportive and there for you emotionally and physically… that are living the same lifestyle and want to preserve that way of life, banding together when an outside threat is trying to dismantle or corrupt the group. Also, the word used conjures a certain image and nostalgia, or safety. Using the word “tribe” or “family” for me is much more comforting than “socio-economic network.” This term sounds to sterile, formal, or less intimate to me. But in terms of a business or working group, this makes more sense. That’s the main difference in the way we are using the term, I think, family vs. team… does that make sense? Sometimes i confuse myself!
-emily