The tribe and the state, a structure within another: Jordanian society as a model

This study aimed, in a direct way, at investigating the deep relation between the tribe and the State in Jordan to identify the extent of conformity between Jordanian governments and the tribal formation through the background of the rise of the state, especially the interference between it and the Parliament in which it is clearly manifested. Following the way of historical descriptive studies and the depth of sociological analysis, the study examined the depth of that connection between two types of structures: the first is a traditional structure and the other is a modern one. This study tried to examine the constant political employment of the regime and conformity of interests between it and the tribal elites who aspire to be part of the effective political elites. In this way, the study tried to reach the conclusion that the state has not advanced to form a modern democratic structure. On the other hand, the tribe has not preserved its traditional entity which is built on solidarity in a way that tribal affiliation has become a bridge toward power in a semi-modern State. The tribe has been in conflict with the state and civil institutions in regard to their legislative roles.

The study concluded that the tribe, as a traditional structure, entered the parliament as a democratic entity. Therefore, in light of the election practices in society and the coalition of executive authority with economic and social influence powers, the Jordanian state, in its political structure, is still under the control of the relationships of the tribe and its symbols, the fact deepens tribal prospects and practices in society regardless of changing economic, political, national and international circumstances because the tribal thought looks only for the interests connected with the structure. The political regime reinforces this behavior as it supports its existence and continuity. The leaders of the tribes have entered the parliament after being once part of the government.