Tribalism

Nature

Tribalism concerns groups of people having a common race, character, occupation, or interest. Status and ethnic or linguistic identity become linked (for example in the UK when it used to be accepted that a person with a certain accent would automatically be labelled "lower class") thus possibly leading to discrimination. Tribalism could also possibly lead to policies of ethnic chauvinism that grant advantages and privileges to an ethnic group as a whole or to certain of its members.

Incidence

Tribalism manifests in various forms across the globe, often leading to social fragmentation and conflict. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia, tribal affiliations can significantly influence political dynamics and social cohesion. For instance, in countries like Nigeria, ethnic and tribal identities are deeply entrenched, contributing to ongoing tensions and violence. Reports indicate that over 200 ethnic groups exist in Nigeria alone, with tribalism playing a crucial role in the country's political landscape and intercommunal relations.
A notable example of tribalism occurred during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, where longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes escalated into mass violence. Over the course of approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. This tragic event highlighted the devastating consequences of tribalism, as deep-seated animosities were exploited, leading to one of the most horrific genocides in modern history.

Claim

Tribalism is one manifestation of a force of collective assertion, aggression and defence that is also inspired by race, religion, communal identity, a communal commitment exalted in some nations as patriotism. It is the primal urge to belong to one group and hate the rest.

The most common face of tribalism is uncouth and uncivilized: from warring tribes in Africa to hooded Klan members in the USA, from fanatics in the Indian subcontinent to mass murderers in Bosnia, from jeering skinheads in Germany to the desecrators of Jewish graves in France. Designer tribalism is understated. It lies unexpectedly beneath the surface of societies with high standards of living and generally long exposure to democratic practices. It begins to reveal itself when official responses to fascist violence exhibit an alarming tepidity; when the violence is seen as basically a law-and-order problem and not an act of terrorism; and when members of the racist fringe begin to move into the political mainstream.

Counter-claim

A tribe is a family which has grown as a result of procreation. It is a big family; it provides its members with material benefits and social advantages the family provides for its members. It is a natural social umbrella for social security, bringing up children and providing a sense of identity.