Saying 'no' in Greece: some preliminary thoughts on hospitality, gender and the evil eye

Kenna, Margaret E.

essay

Saying 'no' in Greece: some preliminary thoughts on hospitality, gender and the evil eye

Les amis et les autres : melanges en l'honneur de John Peristiany = Brothers and others : essays in honour of JohnPeristiany ; textes reunis par Stathis Damiankos … [et al • Athenes • Published In 1995 • Pages: 133-146

By: Kenna, Margaret E..

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the nature of hospitality in Grece as a formal mechanism for the articulation of cultural values rather than as the expression of an entirely personal relationship. In a culture were it is considered polite for a guest to refuse initially and for a host to continue to urge the guest to take what is offered, there are problems in making a refusal which will be accepted. Imposition of one's will on another and, conversely, refusal to be dominated by another's will, take on an added dimension within a system of gender relations where forcefulness is defined in masculine terms and persuasiblility is defined as a female characteristic. The paper attempts to weave together the themes of hospitality and gender with particular reference to Greek ethnography (p. 133).

Drives and emotions

Gender status

Visiting and hospitality

Etiquette

Ethics

Behavior toward non-relatives

Gender roles and issues

Greeks

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

Europe