essay

Social stratification in traditional Amhara society

social stratification in africaNew York • Published In 1970 • Pages: 187-224

By: Hoben, Allan.

Abstract
This is a reconstruction of traditional Amhara sociopolitical organization, before 1896. Hoben's intent is to contrast Amhara society with that of feudal Europe with which it has been closely identified in the literature. He depicts traditional Amhara society as far more fluid than medieval European society--without the rigid class distinctions found in the latter. This he attributes to a loose land-tenure system based on ambilineal descent and partible inheritance, the importance of vertical patron-client relationships within government administration, the value and prestige accorded to military prowess, and an all-inclusive ambilineal kinship system and ideology. There are two elite groups: ecclesiastic and military-administrative, who derive their authority from God and emperor, respectively, but whose real power rests on the relative size of each individual member's personal following and landholdings.
Subjects
Status, role, and prestige
Talent mobility
Classes
Social relationships and groups
Etiquette
Form and rules of government
Priesthood
culture
Amhara
HRAF PubDate
1998
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1996
Field Date
unknown
Coverage Date
1800s
Coverage Place
Ethiopia
Notes
by Allan Hoben
Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-224)
LCCN
78091223
LCSH
Amhara (African people)