Book

Generosity and jealousy: the Swat Pukhtun of northern Pakistan

Columbia University PressNew York • Published In 1982 • Pages:

By: Lindholm, Charles.

Abstract
This is a detailed study of Pashtun culture, society and economy based on the author's study of the village of 'Shin Bagh' in northern Pakistan in 1968 and 1977. At the center of Lindholm's analysis is the principle of 'complementary opposition' -- opposition to the closest neighbor of an equal level. His objective is to show that this principle lies at the heart of Pashtun settlement pattern and history (Chapters 1-2), economic, social and political life (Chapters 3-4), socialization (Chapter 5) and values and world view (Chapters 6-7). In the course of his analysis Lindholm confronts and attempts to reconcile the contradiction between the highly aggressive and violent nature of Pashtun economic, social and political life with the culture's ideals of honor, hospitality and friendship. The answer, he says, lies in the dual nature of human emotional structure: the breach between social reality and ideals is the Pashtun expression of the human need for both independence and interdependence. The existence and role of non-Pashtun groups in Pashtun life is complex, having some characteristics of ethnicity, caste, class and occupational specialization. While some authors, such as Fredrik Barth, emphasize the caste-like character of these groups, Lindholm emphasizes the ethnic and occupational characteristics. With regard to this subject matter, users should search OCM Categories 563, 463 and categories for individual occupations.
Subjects
Ethnic stratification
Identification
Occupational specialization
War
Ethos
History
Ingroup antagonisms
Friendships
Nuptials
Family relationships
culture
Pashtun
HRAF PubDate
2002
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Central Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Gerald Reid ; John Beierle ; 1987
Field Date
1968-1977
Coverage Date
1968-1977
Coverage Place
village of 'Shin Bagh' [pseudonym], Swat District, northern Pakistan
Notes
Charles L. Lindholm
Includes bibliographical references (p. 301-309) and index
LCCN
82001120
LCSH
Pushtuns