ABSTRACT
The question of the economics of the bedouin is related to two central issues in the investigation of tribal society: the nature of nomadism; and whether the bedouin maintain an independent economic structure, or form part of a broader economic system. These questions cannot be separated from their social context. Nomadism, in its different forms, is both a type of economic behaviour and a form of social organization. Widespread economic links also involve reciprocal relationships with the broader society. It may be said that tribal organization is also organization for economic purposes.
