Six studies in African anthropology by Max Gluckman
Professor of Social Anthropology in the University of Manchester
"As positions of leadership carry high ideals, and as most men are - well, only men, there develops frequently a conflict between the ideals of leadership and the weakness of the leaders. This," says Professor Gluckman, "is the frailty of authority."
From detailed studies of African societies, he argues that the rebellions this frailty creates not only do not destroy the established social order but even support it. They also resolve certain other conflicts that arise in other parts of the political system.