Citation

Hayner NS. Am. J. Sociol. 1942; 47(4): 602-613.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1942, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/218966

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Just as white communities show wide variations in the extent of social disorganization, so also do Indian. The degree of demoralization seems to be determined by the intensity and character of contacts with white civilization, on the one hand, and by the source and adequacy of sustenance, on the other. The Plains and the Pacific Northwest are used to illustrate regional differences. The former shows a lower crime rate, less drunkenness, and a greater tendency to commit "outbreaking" crimes. Although contacts with whites have in general been disastrous for Indians of the Pacific Northwest, great variability exists between specific reservations. The Colville, a low-rate jurisdiction in this region, the Yakima, a high-rate, and the Klamath, a very high-rate, are discussed in detail. The Colvilles illustrates the importance of isolation coupled with modest economic resources. The Yakimas show the effect of a longer and more intense period of contact with whites together with greater economic prosperity. The Klamaths exhibit the influence of unusual unearned wealth from valuable timber holdings accentuated by contacts with seasonal workers attracted to local logging camps and mills.