Clan in the structure of family-marriage relations of the Mordva: traditions and forms of existence
Introduction: the article analyzes the place and role of the oldest institution-the clan in the formation and preservation of family-marriage relations, in the transmission of family-tribal culture. Materials and Methods: the research materials were the works of modern ethnographers, folklore and language data. The methodological basis is the principles of objectivity and historicism. Descriptive and comparative-historical methods are used to solve the set tasks. Results: the genus, being the most important institution in the structure of Mordovian society, determined the most important spheres of life, performed functions for the reproduction of ethnic traditions, family-related relations. Discussion and Conclusions: in the social structure of the Mordva family-historically, genetically and culturally is one of the oldest, reflecting not only family-related relations, but also the distribution of roles in the social environment. Currently a number of generic functions perform tostabilize role in preserving the institution of family, marriage, customs and traditions.