Political functions are performed and social order is maintained through informal mechanisms and the activities of generalized social institutions such as the kin group.
Relevant political functions.
- allocating authority
- informal leadership
- non coercive
- non hereditary
- judicial process: enforcing norms/adjudicating disputes
- mobilization of public opinion
- mediation (Nuer leopard skin chief)
- moots
- removal and ostracism
- self help => segmentary opposition
- conducting warfare
- social integration
- support status hierarchy
- ecological regulation