Social Control amongst the Mzabite Women of Beni-Isguen

In: Middle Eastern studies, Band 7, Heft 3, S. 317-327

Abstract

With the economic changes in Beni-Isguen, Algeria, brought about by the integration of the Mzabite community into the surrounding nation, has come a corresponding shift in the traditional situation of women. Formerly, Mzabite women existed under a system of strictly enforced sanctions that resulted in a community distinguished by exceptional social cohesiveness. The religious institution through which sanctions are applied to the women is called the Azzabat; social, religious & moral controls are achieved by the threat of isolation for those who deviate from the norms. These norms have to do with such areas as the women's sexual conduct, observance of religious duties, being treated by an physician, traveling outside the community, as well as the education of girls. Women in wealthy situations now tend to ignore the Azzabat & lead lives of relative freedom, whereas those women in lower income families, often economically dependent on in-laws, find themselves still under the domination of their mothers-in-law who have direct & frequent contact with the Azzabat. D. Abrahams.