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Barma bridewealth: socialization and the reproduction of labour in a domestic african economy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2011

S. P. Reyna
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Extract

This essay argues that courtship procedures, of which the giving of bridewealth forms a part, may under certain conditions help to socialize younger men into their mature economic roles. Further, in so far as bridewealth performs these functions, it contributes to the reproduction of labour in these economies.

Résumé

Les biens de la future épouse chez les Barma: socialisation et reproduction du travail dans une économie domestique africaine

Cet article, fondé sur des informations recueillies chez les Barma et chez un certain nombre d'autres sociétés, suggère que le cérémonial du mariage, dont l'apport des biens de la future épouse forme une part importante, peut sous certaines conditions socialiser partiellement de plus jeunes hommes dans leur rôle économique d'adulte. Qui plus est, si l'on accepte que la fortune de la femme achève cette fonction, elle contribue à la reproduction, en termes marxistes, du travail dans ces économies.

Type
Research Article
Information
Africa , Volume 54 , Issue 4 , October 1984 , pp. 59 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 1984

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