essay

Socioeconmic stratification and marriage payments: elite marriage and bridewealth among the Gusii of Kenya

social change and applied anthropology : essays in honor of david w. brokenshaBoulder • Published In 1990 • Pages: 164-181

By: Håkansson, Thomas.

Abstract
This paper is based on the author's 12 months of fieldwork among the Gusii people of Kisi District in western Kenya. It presents a brief outline of how the Gusii elite manage marriages with the intent of establishing favorable social connections in the society, and how the bridewealth system contributes to the perpetuation of socioeconomic status through generations.
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Sociocultural trends
Accumulation of wealth
Gender status
Classes
Social relationships and groups
Basis of marriage
Regulation of marriage
Mode of marriage
Arranging a marriage
culture
Gusii
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Eastern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2005
Field Date
1982-1983, 1985
Coverage Date
1940-1984
Coverage Place
Kisi District, western Kenya
Notes
Thomas Håkansson
Includes bibliographical references (p. 179-181)
LCCN
90012092
LCSH
Gusii (African people)