18 Questions
What was a common consequence of labour shortages in the forest zones?
Arguments over labour allocation
What was the significance of children in the social status of a household?
They were a measure of social status, with more children indicating higher status
What was the purpose of bridewealth?
To compensate the bride's family for the loss of her fertility and labour
What was a common practice in the forest zones, aside from monogamy?
Polygamy, or having more than one wife
What was the ideal social organization in the forest region?
A large complex household headed by a 'Big Man'
How was agricultural labour divided between men and women?
Different tasks were allocated to men and women, such as clearing and planting
What percentage of young children living near Lake Nyasa reportedly died from malaria in the late 19th century?
20%
In agro-pastoral societies of the savannah, what was the primary role of women in farm labour?
All tasks except clearing land and taking care of cattle
How did a poor man without the means to pay bridewealth typically marry in agro-pastoral societies?
By working for his father-in-law
What was a common consequence for a man who was able to marry many wives in agro-pastoral societies?
He became wealthier and more influential
What was the primary reason for the intense competition among men for women in agro-pastoral societies?
The need to regulate the competition through bridewealth
In what type of societies did women play a bigger part in farm labour compared to the forest zones?
Agro-pastoral societies of the savannah
What was the primary purpose of constructing irrigation canals in the highlands?
To provide a reliable water supply throughout the year
In highland agriculture, what was the typical division of labor between men and women?
Men did heavier work like ploughing, while women worked together with them in the fields
What was the role of women in work parties during peak agricultural seasons?
They were in charge of cooking food and brewing beer
What was the significance of a household's ability to provide a good spread of food and plenty of beer during work parties?
It affected the likelihood of villagers helping with the work
What was the primary resource constraint in the highlands?
Land was scarce, and farmers had to use intensive agriculture
What was the result of intensive agriculture in the highlands?
The ability to support a densely populated region
Learn about the impact of labour shortages on social dynamics and how it affected family structures. Discover how institutions regulated access to labour and how social status was determined. Understand the intense competition for women in this societal context.
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