ABSTRACT

In the trouble-case the individual and his society or his sub-group 'appear in dramatic relation at a moment of maximum pressure, each upon the other'. In another respect, these cases may be regarded as components of 'social dramas'. To analyse satisfactorily even a single social drama, it is necessary to place it firmly in what may be called its field context. Method is frankly along Gestalt lines. For among the relevant dimensions of our field context we should include not only social structure and culture, but also personality. Another factor not always sufficiently recognized as having a formative influence on the field context is the role of the investigator himself. Another factor that may explain why Mukang'ala's Ndembu and Kawiku tended to inhabit different parts of the area is that the senior headman of the Kawiku held a ritual office in connection with the installation of a Mukang'ala.