UNDERSTANDING INTER CLAN SOCIAL DISTANCE AMONG THE KURIA ETHNIC GROUP IN TANZANIA

Physical proximity does not always mirror the existing social closeness among groups. This study aimed at using social distance scale in investigating the degree of social distance among the Kuria clans. It also sought to find out social situations in which clan members were willing to interact among the seven situations indicated in the social distance scale. The data were collected from 230 respondents (M=36, SD= 13) randomly and purposively selected from members of the selected clans using social distance scale, focus group discussion and interview. The findings indicated varied degrees of inter clan acceptance and antipathy among the Kira, the Nchari and the Renchoka clans. The findings revealed that respondents from Kira clan rejected and showed antipathy towards Nchari clan and close social relationship towards Renchoka clan. Comparatively the Nchari clan indicated more antipathy towards Renchoka clan than Kira. It was surprising to find that majority of respondents from both the Kira and Renchoka clan showed antipathy towards Nchari clan. The results also revealed great variation in clan members’ decision in accepting others in various social situations. Finally, the study concluded that the degree of social distance among the Kuria ethnic group was dependent upon the existing inter clan relationship and therefore the degree of hostility also varied along the same spectrum between and among clans.