A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent, often claiming descent from a common ancestor or founding member. Members of a clan may identify through shared lineage, family ties, or allegiance to a clan chief, and they often function as social and political units within larger societies. Clans are common in many cultures and historically are smaller than tribes but crucial in organizing social relations, especially in places like Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Asia and Africa.

Key Characteristics of a Clan

• United by real or perceived kinship and descent.
• May include members who are followers of a clan chief, not strictly blood relatives.
• Often exogamous, meaning members typically do not marry within the clan.
• Can have a recognized leader such as a chief, patriarch, or matriarch.
• Use symbols such as coats of arms, tartans, or emblems to express unity.
• Clans often preceded more centralized forms of government and remain important cultural and social structures in many societies.

Examples and Cultural Contexts

• Scottish and Irish clans are well-known, often tied to a clan chief and distinctive tartans.
• Native American tribes include clans as subdivisions.
• In some post-Soviet countries and organized crime contexts, "clan" can refer to close-knit cooperative groups.
• The term stems from the Gaelic word "clann," meaning children or descendants.

In summary, a clan is fundamentally a kinship group that extends beyond immediate family and plays a significant role in social, cultural, and political organization across many societies worldwide.