Indian Reservations, Anomie, and Social Pathologies

Abstract

Several common notions are examined concerning the relationship between social pathology (homicide, suicide, and alcoholism) and social disorganization and anomie. The findings of studies conducted by the authors among the Navajo and Hopi Indians are presented. In the main, the studies suggest that both the prevalence and patterning of these behaviors are largely explainable in terms of persisting elements of aboriginal culture rather than as responses to acculturation and social disorganization. It is concluded that previous approaches to the subject have been more influenced by Western traditions of social thought than by any hard consideration of the data and theory appropriate to their analysis and interpretation.