ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the hamula's social role as reflected in the patrilineal endogamy system, its political role as reflected in the local elections, and its economic role as reflected in the mutual economic aid between hamula members. It traces the changes in the hamula status throughout three periods: the last years of the Ottoman Period, the Mandatory Period, and after the establishment of Israel. In addition, the emphasis of biological relatedness may ignore the social significance of the kinship structure as a unit which aims to fulfill some basic needs for individuals and groups. Studies conducted in Middle Eastern societies have shown that the definition of the kinship structure in terms of biological relatedness is incomplete. The macro sociodemographic and the economic processes created a pragmatic base for patrilineal endogamy since the extra-lineal marriage market decreased while the field of eligibles within the hamula increased.
