Unabhängige Fremde

Mobilität und Identität von Frauen in Maale (Südäthiopien)

Abstract

The Maale of southern Ethiopia are a patrilineal and patrilocal society. Women move from one homestead to another one, while men usually stay with their patrilineage from childhood until death. While it has been argued that the movement of women leads to a lack of continuity which results in a weakening of their identities, this article demonstrates the advantages women gain by shifting residence. Instead of struggling to redefine their identities, they acquire multiple identities, which they can make rational use of.