White] THE PUEBLO OF SIA, NEW MEXICO 225 
are definitely opposed to the use of tractors, the introduction of elec- 
tricity, and other acceptances of American culture. Others were 
identified as being much in favor of things of this sort. However, 
these differences in attitudes never crystallized into ‘progressive’ 
and “conservative” parties, and they never erupted into a pueblo 
dispute or fight. The community seemed to be well integrated and 
to be able to contain and to harmonize these two opposing tendencies. 
And so it has gone on, opposing change on the one hand, but giving 
in to it on the other. In this game, the conservatives always lose. 
“RICH” AND, “POOR” 
‘“‘Al] Sias are poor, but some are poorer than others.’”’ Some 
families, even as recently as the 1950’s, lived in abject poverty: they 
had little or no livestock, a small amount of land, meager household 
furnishings, and no “luxuries.”” At the other end of the scale, some 
families had many cattle or sheep, considerable cultivated land, good 
furniture, and perhaps a gas range, a television set, or a pickup truck.” 
(See data on tenure of land and livestock by families in our chapter, 
“Tand, Agriculture, and Stockraising.’’?) These differences in mate- 
rial well-being are obvious and readily recognized by the Sias them- 
selves. But, so far as my observations and inquiries could determine, 
no family is looked down upon because it is poor, or looked up to 
because it is relatively well to do. Nor does influence within the 
community depend upon economic status. The nature of the kin- 
ship system and the principle of mutual aid upon which tribal life 
is organized militates against distinctions based upon wealth. 
There appear to be some definite correlations, however, between 
economic status and political attitude: the conservatives tend to be 
poor, while the relatively well to do are inclined to be progressive. 
And, outside employment, which brings money and welfare into the 
household and the community, facilitates acculturation. Here again, 
the tides are against the die-hard conservatives. 
The reader is urged to consult the chapter on “Government and 
Social Life” in my monograph, ‘‘The Pueblo of Santa Ana.” There 
I have discussed such topics as “‘Democracy or Oligarchy?”’ the place 
of pueblo culture in the scale of social evolution, “Social Life,” “The 
Status of Woman,” and “Law and Order.” Apart from some local 
differences, which will be made apparent by a comparison of the two 
studies, what has been said for Santa Ana will apply equally well to 
Sia, and will add materially to the study of Sia here presented. 
31 But, say Hawley et al. (1943, p. 548), ‘‘there is little difference between the menus of the poorest and 
the richest families.”’ 
