This pioneering book applies, perhaps for the first time, the techniques of cross-cultural research to a study of Indian society. The authors study in detail the pattern of psychological adaptation of three different tribal groups in the state of Bihar - the Birhor, the Asur and the Oraon - which reflect different ecological adaptations, with resulting differences in settlement and occupation patterns.

The authors examine not only a wide range of cognitive behaviours in relation to the ecological engagements of these tribes, but also provide a comparative analysis of the lifestyles of the three cultural groups, their patterns of child socialization, and their experiences of and attitudes towards acculturation. They also explore the experiences of acculturative stress in order to understand the different implications of integrating tribal groups with the rest of society.

Combining the techniques of anthropological and psychological research, this important book will interest not only scholars in the fields of psychology, sociology and anthropology, but also educators, social workers, planners, policy-makers, development personnel, and all those concerned with the problems which afflict tribal groups in this age of rapid change.