Labour Shortages and Social Structure

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What was a common consequence of labour shortages in the forest zones?

Greater equality in access to women for marriage

Increased social harmony

Arguments over labour allocation (correct)

A decrease in polygamy

What was the significance of children in the social status of a household?

They were a symbol of wealth and power

They were a measure of social status, with more children indicating higher status (correct)

They were seen as a burden to the household

They were only important in the context of agriculture

What was the purpose of bridewealth?

To compensate the groom's family for the loss of his labour

To punish the bride's family for not providing enough children

To compensate the bride's family for the loss of her fertility and labour (correct)

To symbolize the union of the two families

What was a common practice in the forest zones, aside from monogamy?

Polygamy, or having more than one wife Signup and view all the answers

What was the ideal social organization in the forest region?

A large complex household headed by a 'Big Man' Signup and view all the answers

How was agricultural labour divided between men and women?

Different tasks were allocated to men and women, such as clearing and planting Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of young children living near Lake Nyasa reportedly died from malaria in the late 19th century?

20% Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

How did a poor man without the means to pay bridewealth typically marry in agro-pastoral societies?

By working for his father-in-law Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of constructing irrigation canals in the highlands?

To provide a reliable water supply throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of women in work parties during peak agricultural seasons?

They were in charge of cooking food and brewing beer Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary resource constraint in the highlands?

Land was scarce, and farmers had to use intensive agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of intensive agriculture in the highlands?

The ability to support a densely populated region Signup and view all the answers

Labour Shortages and Social Structure

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