Final answer:
The Mende co-wives' focus of competition is not directly described in the provided material. However, like the Indonesian Minangkabau, there may be a focus on cooperation over competition. The contest might be subtle and aligned with the social structure that supports communal harmony and shared objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given statement, there is no direct information about Mende co-wives or their modes of competition, but based on the material provided, one might extrapolate about social dynamics involving competition and cooperation. For instance, Sanday's study indicates that in some societies perceived as matriarchies, such as the Indonesian Minangkabau, there is a tendency towards cooperative behavior, regardless of gender and the nature of the job. This cooperation transcends the idea of bifurcated consciousness, a situation where individuals are torn between two conflicting aspects of their identity or beliefs, typically experienced by modern U.S. females according to the study. Applying this example, if the Mende operate under similar social structures, the focus of any competition among co-wives might be less pronounced or approached in a cooperative context.
In comparative analysis, the question about the relationship between the peoples of the steppes and their neighbors could hint at the nature of competition and cooperation within societies and between different groups. This dynamic could be economic, cultural, or militaristic. Similarly, the reference to perfect competition among firms provides another context in which competition can be observed and measured, such as through the behavior of firms within an industry.
Therefore, without specific information about the Mende, we can only infer that like the Minangkabau, competition among co-wives could be less about direct rivalry and more about cooperative co-existence, aligning with broader social objectives and relational harmony.