Marital instability among the Kpelle: towards a theory of epainogamy

Gibbs, James L.

article

Marital instability among the Kpelle: towards a theory of epainogamy

American anthropologist • 65 • Published In 1963 • Pages: 552-573

By: Gibbs, James L..

Abstract
This study, based on 17 month's field work among the Kpelle of Central Liberia in 1957-1958, attempts to present a theoretical basis for an understanding of the apparent marital instability among these people. After a brief review of the Gluckman-Leach-Fallers hypothesis on marital instability, Gibbs turns to an alternative theory suggested by John Embree dealing with the duality of tightly and loosely structured social systems. In applying this polar concept to the analysis of his Kpelle data, the author coins the term 'epainogamy' as a reference to the condition of marriage which is societally supported, praised and sanctioned. In an epainogamous society, marriage is stable and divorce is rare, in contrast to a non-epainogamous society in which the opposite is true. The latter condition is obviously the case with the Kpelle for Gibbs concludes that marriage among members of this society '...is unstable because the norms which govern it are conflictful and ambiguous, while the attempt to conform to these norms cannot be effectively rewarded nor deviance from them adequately punished' (p. 569). To provide the background for such a conclusion, the author presents an abundance of cultural data on various aspects of marriage including practices related to betrothal, bride price, divorce, polygny, and woman's status in the household. Adultery and sanctioned forms of extramarital relations are also discussed.

Termination of marriage

Family relationships

Polygamy

Basis of marriage

Regulation of marriage

Arranging a marriage

Nuptials

Mode of marriage

Extramarital sex relations

Secondary marriages

Informal in-group justice

Sex and marital offenses