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ANT08


Polygamy, marriage and family in Central Asia 
Convenors:
Rano Turaeva (Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich)
Michele Commercio (University of Vermont)
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Chairs:
Michele Commercio (University of Vermont)
Rano Turaeva (Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich)
Discussants:
Anna Cieslewska (University of Lodz)
Aksana Ismailbekova (Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO))
Saodat Olimova (Research Center SHARQORIENS)
Formats:
Panel
Theme:
Anthropology & Archaeology
Location:
GA 1100
Sessions:
Saturday 22 October, -, -
Time zone: America/Indiana/Knox

Abstract:

Women’s “double burden” or even “multiple burden” brought on by the economic and political turmoil and challenges after the collapse of the Soviet Union significantly worsened the situation of Central Asian women. One would expect that re-traditionalization of Central Asia and the return of Islam, which to some degree contributed to the process of re-patriarchalization of the kinship structures of Central Asian societies, would automatically imply absence of women’s agency. However, this would be an oversimplification of the situation which is far more complex. In the panel we would like to discuss how much of economic hardships, globalization, and increased migration have created not only challenges for female members of these Muslim dominated societies but also have created opportunities to negotiate between modernity and tradition. The post-Soviet period is marked with the creation of another image of women: specifically, women as fighters and as leaders who have survived economic difficulties and who have been the central figures in supporting their families fitting changing family structures, gender roles, as well as negotiating their agency in polygamic relationships. There are underlying common themes of women’s agency, decision-making power, and their ability to cope with various types of social, cultural, and economic situations. While women, are sometimes viewed as weak or powerless, they do demonstrate considerable control over their lives. Women innovatively negotiate and cope with the hurdles of often complicated traditional family arrangements and the challenges posed by their work life, and they find their own ways to actively create their own social networks. The panel will address socio-economic and political aspects of polygamous relations focusing on second wives as well as marriage patterns and family structures. Dr.Rano Turaeva will discuss various social status systems within different categories of female partners in Central Asia whereas Dr. Michele E. Commercio will discuss similar issues focusing on Kyrgyzstan. Dr.Anna Cieslewska and Saodat Olimova will address migration aspects of polygamous relationships between Russia and Central Asia. The discussion of polygamous relations and agency of women is nicely rounded by a more general approaches to marriage linking to economic securities and coping strategies discussed in the contribution of Dr.Aksana Ismailbekova based on the material on Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Saturday 22 October, 2022, -