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In Veiled Sentiments, how does Abu-Lughod suggest the Awlad 'Ali reconcile their basic value of equality with social hierarchies?

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Final answer:

In Veiled Sentiments, Abu-Lughod suggests that the Awlad 'Ali reconcile their basic value of equality with social hierarchies by using poetry as a medium of expression and maintaining social harmony.

Step-by-step explanation:

In her book Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society, Abu-Lughod explores how the Awlad 'Ali, a Bedouin society, reconcile their basic value of equality with social hierarchies. She suggests that the Awlad 'Ali maintain their ideal of equality by using the medium of poetry to express their emotions and maintain social harmony. Through poetry, individuals can convey their grievances and desires without challenging the existing social hierarchies directly. For example, the Awlad 'Ali have a tradition of poetic exchanges known as the ghinnāwa. These poetic exchanges allow individuals to express their emotions and concerns while also adhering to the social norms and hierarchies. By participating in the ghinnāwa, individuals can vent their frustrations and seek resolution to their grievances without directly challenging the power dynamics within the society. In this way, Abu-Lughod suggests that the Awlad 'Ali reconcile their value of equality with social hierarchies by using poetry as a form of self-expression and a means to address social issues indirectly.

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