Homicide and suicide among the Joluo of Kenya

Wilson, Gordon M.

essay

Homicide and suicide among the Joluo of Kenya

african homicide and and suicide • Princeton • Published In 1960 • Pages: 179-213, 273-274, 287-288

By: Wilson, Gordon M..

Abstract
The aim of this source and the others in the collection 'is to provide description and analysis of the culture patterns which involve homicide and suicide in several African societies.' The author provides brief background data on the identification of the Luo, their location, social organization, and recent changes brought about by European contacts. He then discusses several aspects of the society particularly related to the subject, such as attitudes toward death in general, violence, the effect on kinship and community groups of homicide and suicide, and the reaction usual to such events. The body of the source is devoted to specific cases of homicide and suicide selected from numerous examples to indicate the variety of motives, methods and results encountered.

Offenses against life

Sex and marital offenses

Liability

Inter-community relations

Status, role, and prestige

Behavior toward non-relatives

Territorial hierarchy