What term describes the enforcement of customary rules of conduct by family, clan, or tribe?

• A. Kin Policing
• B. Vigilantes
• C. Social Policing
• D. Tribal Law

Answer: (A)

Kin policing describes the enforcement of customary rules of conduct by family, clan, or tribe. This reflects how informal social control operates within kin networks, where relatives monitor behavior, label violations as inappropriate, and apply sanctions to maintain norms and cohesion. In traditional settings, such enforcement is often informal and relies on social mechanisms—shame, exclusion, or retaliation within the kin group—rather than formal legal procedures.

The other terms refer to different ideas. Tribal law points to a formal or codified legal system within a tribe, not the informal, kin-based enforcement described here. Vigilantes are self-appointed enforcers outside official authority, not necessarily tied to family or clan structures. Social policing is a broad notion of societal level enforcement and surveillance, not specifically kin-centered.