Reciprocity In Aboriginal Society

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Case Study The topic chosen for this case study is reciprocity; in particular the underlying principle of reciprocity and it’s importance in the economic, social, spiritual and political spheres of Aboriginal life. This case study will first discuss the concept of reciprocity, then outline and illustrate how important this concept is in various aspects of Aboriginal society. The general aim of this case study is to improve the understanding of the Aboriginal worldview and therefore improve the understanding of current problems occurring between mainstream Australian systems and societies and Aboriginal societies. The concept of reciprocity in traditional Aboriginal life is very complex. It is a way of thinking, a notion of being connected…show more content…
It is extremely egalitarian in structure, with every person being held the same and the codes of behavior unchangeable by humans, as it is the law of the land. As for most areas of traditional Aboriginal life, the Elders are looked upon as those with the richest accumulation of knowledge. Therefore, the Elders, and those in the group who have earned respect have the most to do with Aboriginal legal procedures. The enforcing of these laws is more complex than the mainstream legal system in determining who exactly in responsible for the administering of punishment for breaches. Traditionally there is no one body that governs and punishes; the ‘crime’ is discussed in a wide community group, which can involve Elders, both parties involved and their families (ALRC, 1986). The different values of Aboriginal society are also reflected in the offences that can be committed and the severity on which they are looked. For example in the traditional Aboriginal reciprocal system, personal property crimes are considered minor, where as breaches of etiquette are considered serious. In a reciprocal society, personal property or accumulation of wealth is not so important due to the sharing habits of the community providing for all needs. However, etiquette is very important as it reinforces the specific reciprocal bonds between each individual within the group, and a breach could have extending negative effects on the group as a whole. Punishments are based around exclusion from community activities, either temporary or permanent, or around public embarrassment and admonition. A major crime might result in banishment from the community, whereas a minor crime might result in exclusion from the nest stage of learning or ritual until one is deemed worthy again. The whole structure of Aboriginal law encourages responsibility and responsible actions, dictating roles and duties that create and strengthen
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