Small Social Groups of Mongolian Nomads (a Case of the Central Province)
The article analyzes steady forms of social groups of nomads of Mongolia. Based on the analysis of field materials obtained in Zaamar sum of the Central province, the author made a conclusion about mutually exclusive phenomena in the forms of social organization of the modern Mongolian nomads. The intensification of migratory flows of pastoralists to the central regions led to intense competition for natural pasture lands. This resulted in the consolidation of local nomads into informal groups to protect their economic interests, as well as forced the arriving nomads to form closed groups. The penetration of market relations and the increase in the marketability of the economy of nomads contribute to their greater individualization due to the disintegration of traditions and customs of collective mutual assistance.