The Athabascans of Interior Alaska: A Culture and Personality Perspective

Abstract

Traditional Athabascan institutions are related to the modal personality and culture of the group. It is shown how otherwise pathic aspects of personality were creatively integrated into these institutions. The collapse of these institutions due to acculturative pressure is discussed and the release of these pathic aspects described. Finally it is suggested that a new creative reintegration is under way, based upon old Athabascan personality dimensions and new institutions which function in a fashion similar to traditional ones.