This thesis applies certain fundamental principles derived from communications theory
and systems analysis and developed by Gregory Bateson and others to a discussion of
changes in reindeer-herd management. The following important questions are discussed.
What are the determinants which have been active in the progression from intensive to
extensive herding? What were the herding effects of northem-Saami (Lapp) relocation
in the early 1900s? What is rational herding, why and how have its principles developed?
These questions will be answered with regard to the historical development of one
particular, mountain-Saami, herding unit, Tuorpon.
Part I presents a diachronic analysis of Tuorpon-herding changes. Part II broadens the
context to encompass the essential features of Swedish reindeer-herding legislation. In
Part III, an attempt is made to bring this material together to explain the variable
resistance to and compliance with governmental, rational ideals in Tuorpon.
Essential to this study is the recognition of numerous, hierarchical, resource-consumer
relationships, such as grazing/reindeer, reindeer/herders, herders/Saamish society and
Saamish society /the Swedish State. Thus, the land available for herding largely determines
the size of the reindeer population, which in tum largely determines the size of the
herder population and the extent to which this group can serve as a pillar of the Saamish
minority etc. To survive, these relations must be in balance with each other. Certain
patterns are uncovered in Swedish herding legislation as this search for balance
continues.