How is a "tribe" defined in anthropological terms?

In anthropological terms, a "tribe" is defined as a social group that consists of families or communities linked by social, economic, or political ties. This definition emphasizes the cohesive bonds that unite members of the tribe, highlighting shared values, traditions, and behaviors that contribute to their social structure. Tribes often have a stable membership base and are characterized by their communal decision-making processes and leadership roles that arise through social consensus rather than formalized political systems.

This definition captures the essence of tribal organization, where relationships are often built around kinship and shared cultural identities rather than formal legal or economic structures. The other options do not accurately reflect the complexities of tribal societies; for example, a collection of individuals sharing a common profession pertains more to occupational groups, while a governmental unit describes a formal, often bureaucratic structure that may not capture the relational dynamics of a tribe. Similarly, being bound by legal contracts or agreements primarily refers to modern legalistic definitions of social organization, which is not reflective of the traditional, communal ties found in tribes.