What is a group of related families commonly referred to?

A group of related families is commonly referred to as a tribe. This term denotes a social unit that often consists of numerous familial ties, sharing resources, culture, language, and sometimes territory. A tribe typically has a common identity that is rooted in shared ancestry and heritage, allowing its members to maintain social cohesion and support systems.

The concept of a tribe is often used in anthropological and sociological contexts to describe the relationships among groups of people that extend beyond immediate family, encompassing larger social networks and kinship systems. This structure can play a significant role in the cultural practices, governance, and survival strategies of the group.

By contrast, while terms like clan, community, and coalition also describe groups of people, they do not specifically emphasize the familial connections that define a tribe. A clan usually refers to a kinship group that is larger than a nuclear family but smaller than a tribe. A community is a broader term that may include various families and social groups living in close proximity but does not necessarily imply a direct kinship. A coalition refers to an alliance between groups or organizations for a specific purpose, which can include both related and unrelated groups working together. Therefore, "tribe" is the most accurate term for a group of related families.