204k views
2 votes
What does kinship look like among the Kabre?

User Mike Petty
by
9.6k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Kinship among the Kabre of northern Algeria is defined by a division of social spaces within the household that reflects cultural values, gender roles, and the separation of natural and cultural realms, as analyzed by Pierre Bourdieu.

Step-by-step explanation:

What does kinship look like among the Kabre? Understanding kinship among the Kabre involves examining the social structures and daily life practices that characterize their society. For the Kabre people in northern Algeria, kinship goes beyond blood ties and encompasses social norms, cultural practices, and spatial organization within the home. French scholar Pierre Bourdieu's analysis of a Kabyle house reveals much about these relationships. He describes a home divided into two realms: a darker, lower realm for natural activities, and a lighter, upper realm for cultural activities, reflecting the division of labor and gender roles within Kabyle society.

The separation of spaces within the house mirrors the Kabre's perception of the natural and cultural worlds, attributing different values and functions to each. The animals are kept in the lower part of the house, and the loft above serves as a sleeping place for women and children, while men would typically engage in activities associated with the lighter, above-ground areas. This spatial division demonstrates the Kabre's values of purity and honor, with higher ground being associated more with humans and social interactions such as weaving, cooking, and hosting guests.

User Endline
by
7.8k points