Clanism

Question 1

Clanism

Answer 1

• The concept “clan” does not carry negative connotation in Central Asia. The concept is more associated to informal institutions, reciprocal relations and interdependence
• “Informal social network characterised by an extensive network of kin ties, or perceived and imagined relations”.
• These social relations shape and constrain the preferences and decisions of individual actors.
• Great relevance in Central Asia and persist because three reasons: late state formation, late formation of a national identity and the absence of market economy.
• Everyone belongs to a defined clan, and they recognise themselves as ‘one of ours’. This is crucial for doing business.
• Clans imply mutual assistance among kin. Kazakh do not conceptualise their lives outside of kinship relationships.
• Immediate kinship is as important as distant kinship.
• Clans include both blood ties and relatives through marriage. Also, clans include kin identities (long – lasting friendships)
• Clans are important for all kinds of decisions: who to hire, who to buy inputs, who to help… In this sense, being sensitive to clan demand is “taken for granted” or “felt obligated”.

Question 2

Clanism vs other related indigenous practices:

Answer 2

• Clans differ from clientelism, from corruption (illegal practice) and from mafias (illegal and violent activity)
• Clans differ from blat, which serve the needs of personal consumption
• Clans differ from guanxi, which encompasses dyadic relationships between individuals that are implicitly based on mutual interests and benefits
• Clans are being based on kin – based bonds. Hence, reciprocal relations may not be between individuals, but between the individual and the group with which the individual identifies. This is an accepted and taken for granted behaviour.