This thesis presents a study of social structure and change during the mid-fifth millennium be, as evidenced by aspects of material culture. Social development and behaviour are assessed through a reflexive analysis of ceramics that is stylistically orientated. Pottery decoration and vessel form are a rich source of stylistic variation that can provide insight into the structures, processes, and beliefs of social groups in the past. This research was instigated by excavations conducted at Domuztepe. This settlement is located in south-eastern Turkey and dates to the mid-fifth millennium be, a period known as the Halaf-Ubaid Transition. The Halaf and Ubaid periods are associated with an important long-term social change from village-based agricultural subsistence towards stratified, urbanised societies. The nature of the Halaf-Ubaid Transition however, is under-represented in the current literature concerning the prehistoric Near East. Few studies of Near Eastern ceramic evidence have pushed the available data beyond the creation of chronologies and cultures. It is suggested here that the investigation of ceramic style offers a significant opportunity to assess social activity. The analysis is based on four main objectives. Firstly, examining how social behaviour is reflected in material culture, through ceramics. Secondly, investigating networks of social interaction through a comparative analysis of pottery assemblages from fifth millennium be settlements. Thirdly, assessing the nature of relationships between Domuztepe and other settlements using statistical techniques and finally, utilising current approaches to ceramic analysis with a focus on the use of a reflexive methodology. The thesis begins with a critique of previous and recent approaches to the study of the fifth millennium be. The recently formulated concept of the Neolithic Integrative System (Campbell 2001), is advocated as one means of addressing problems identified with the application of previous archaeological constructs. Chapters 3-7 analyse and interpret Domuztepe's ceramic assemblage including a discussion of the methodology used for data collection. The analysis is divided into four aspects, ware-types, vessel morphology, fabrics and decoration. The interplay between ware-type and the other three stylistic aspects is examined and a variety of interpretations regarding ceramic usage offered. Chapters 8-9, present a broader perspective of intra-and inter-societal stylistic relations. Further discussion is offered regarding the approaches taken towards stylistic analysis and the interpretation of material culture. Statistical techniques are used to identify and assess the strength of different modes of communication. Subjective inter-assemblage comparisons are also made. In the concluding chapter (10) emphasis is placed upon the overall social interpretations that can be made from the evidence examined. Domuztepe's pottery contains strong elements of Halaf-Ubaid Transitional style. The assemblage is not exclusively Halaf-Ubaid Transitional and contains other stylistic elements of significance. The focus of this study is thus the investigation of how Domuztepe's population manipulated ceramic style within a local context. Although issues of chronology and geography have a bearing on the data, the interpretation of human behaviour is of primary importance. This study has implications for the understanding of the use and meaning of material culture and the integration of recent theoretical approaches with the interpretation of primary data. This research advocates questioning the accepted terminology and preconceived categories. The Halaf-Ubaid Transition is manifest as changes in material culture, but this thesis suggests it should be interpreted within a context of social change and stress as pre-urban societies became increasingly complex.