Tsering Yangdzom, born in Lhasa, is a researchfellow with the Institute of Social Economy, ChinaTibetology Research Center. She is co-author ofSeries of General Survey of China." Lhasa, Vicis-situdes of Families in Tibet Over the Past 40 Years,Life of Luou District Residents in Lhasa, SocialConformation of Tibetan Feudal Serfdom, andSurvey and Research Concerning Tibet's Com-merce and Handicraft Industry. She has also pub-lished a number of academic papers including"Basic Conditions and Developm

Preface
Introduction
Area of Study
Source of Data
Part One: Group Image of the Aristocracy in a Hierarchical Society
Chapter ⅠThe Dominant Yab-gzhis Families
Section 1 From the First to the Sixth Dalai Lama
Section 2 The Seventh Dalai Lama and His Family
Section 3 The Deification of Yab-gzhis Families
Section 4 A Case Study: Continuation of the Lhalu Lineage
Chapter Ⅱ The sDe-dpon Families of Noble Descent
Section I Epitome of the Aristocracy
Section 2 Prominent Families
Section 3 A Case Study: the Phalha Family
Chapter Ⅲ Authority Arising from Mi-drag Families
Section I Hierarchical Changes in a Stagnant Society
Section 2 Concept of Honor
Section 3 Struggling for Aristocratic Status
Chapter Ⅳ General Aristocratic Families
Section i Aspiring for Power and Honor
Section 2 In Persistent Pursuit of Opportunities
Section 3 Peaceful Mind in Boundless Changes
Section 4 Adhering to the Past and Relaxing in the Present
Part Two: Tibetan Aristocrats Who Stress 'Location'
Chapter Ⅴ The Solid Wall of Family
Section I Components and Honors of Aristocratic Society
Section 2 Family Structures: Polyandry and Polygamy
Section 3 Basic Family Structure and Aristocrats' Residences
Section 4 Emotional Relations among Family Members and Subordinates
Chapter Ⅵ The Contract of Marriage and the Status of Women
Section I Matrimonial Concepts and Matrimonial Relationships
Section 2 Boundary and Limits of Marriage
Section 3 Romantic Forms, Stiff Content
Section 4 Women's Position Revealed in Marriage
Chapter Ⅶ Children's Upbringing
Section I Concept of Samsara and Family Affections
Section 2 Upbringing of the Children of the Nobles
Section 3 Childhood -- First Step into Society
Section 4 Relations Between Individuals, Family and Society
Chapter Ⅷ Life of the Aristocracy
Section I Etiquette and Religious Enthusiasm
Section 2 Tibetan New Year Celebration: Religious and Secular
Section 3 Food and Attire
Section 4 Gone with the Wind
Bibliography
Postscript