The Anthropological Roots of Clans: From Kinship to Social and Criminal Structures

• In Event: Criminal Clans: Identity, Gender, and Policy Challenges

Abstract

The concept of the clan has long been a focal point of anthropological, sociological, and criminological discourse. Traditionally understood as a kinship-based unit rooted in unilineal descent, the meaning of ‘clan’ has evolved across different historical and socio-political contexts. This presentation traces the anthropological roots of the term, examining its foundational role in early human societies, its structural organization, and its functional significance in maintaining social cohesion. Drawing from classical theories—including those of Durkheim, Malinowski, and Evans-Pritchard—it explores the interplay between kinship, lineage, and social organization. Furthermore, it delves into the transformation of clans in modern contexts, particularly within criminology, where ‘clan crime’ is often discussed in relation to organized criminal networks. The fluidity of the term across disciplines highlights its dual role as a mechanism of solidarity and a framework for informal governance, conflict resolution, and, in some cases, criminal enterprise. By examining the intersection of tradition and modernity, this presentation underscores the enduring relevance of clan structures in both historical and contemporary societies.

Author

• Dina Siegel, Utrecht University