本文主要是以排灣族的傳統社會結構作為研究對象，並採取文獻研究和部落者老的深度訪談等方式來探討排灣族傳統社會的文化結構。而根據研究結果，排灣族傳統社會結構的精髓部分就是以各家族長制為基礎所延伸出來的貴族階層社會。通常，長桐家的發展關條到所有餘桐家族的盛衰，餘悶不僅在家族祭儀上給以尊重，亦在必要日寄給以物資上的支援;反之，長制在義務上賦有主持家族生命禮俗與扶助急難家族成員的責任，而這種以長制為家族核心的觀念正是排灣族社會結構的傳統文化。

This research paper aims at invωtigating the culture of Paiwan traditional social structure regarding to the literature review and depth interview with the superiors of Paiwan tribes. Results of the study show that the basis of the traditional aristocratic system in Paiwan tribes originated from firstborn child as inheritor of family This system influences the development of all relatives. That is，the other younger brothers and sisters not only give their respect to the original family but also offer all necessary helps to honor their original family. The firstborn inheritor also hαs the duty host the life rite for the relativωand gives them necessary supports in emergency situations.