essay

Shifting politics in Bedouin love poetry

language and the politics of emotionCambridge • Published In 1990 • Pages: 24-45

By: Abu-Lughod, Lila.

Abstract
In this article Abu-Lughod critiques studies that treat emotions as sui generis and dissociated from their social context, by showing how Bedouin love poetry has changed with changes in the political economy. Love poetry has been a legitimate form of emotional expression in contrast to the stoicism of everyday discourse which is constrained by a code of honor. Furthermore it is an expression of romantic love and freedom by youth and women in defiance of an overbearing patriarchal culture with its emphasis on agnatic ties. With the settlement of the Bedouin and the state's imposition of individual property rights, the power of tribal elders has increased. By 1985, it was mostly young men who sang and listened to poetry as a form of rebellion against their elders. According to Abu-Lughod, love poetry has always had a politcal context, challenging the authority of the patriarchal system, and giving expression to a coexistent egalitarian ethic.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Verbal arts
Age stratification
Gender status
Ingroup antagonisms
Kin relationships
Sexuality
culture
Libyan Bedouin
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Northern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1998
Field Date
1978-1987
Coverage Date
1985
Coverage Place
Western Desert, Egypt
Notes
Lila Abu-Lughod
Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-45)
LCCN
90001374
LCSH
Bedouins