Money and respect: the changing value of old age in rural Ghana

被引:49
|
作者
van der Geest, S [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Amsterdam, NL-1012 WX Amsterdam, Netherlands
来源
AFRICA | 1997年 / 67卷 / 04期
关键词
D O I
10.2307/1161107
中图分类号
Q98 [人类学];
学科分类号
030303 ;
摘要
This article describes the position of elderly people from the perspective of money and discusses the meaning of money from the perspective of elderly people. Anthropological research was carried out in 1994, 1995 and 1996 in a rural Kwahu community in southern Ghana. It consisted mainly of long conversations with elderly people and their relatives. Money is a core symbol in daily life by which people measure the value of their relationships. It is not used to keep people at bay but rather to establish and maintain social bonds and to secure care in old age. Having money engenders respect, as it is a sign of a successful life, while lack of money discloses failure and shame. Giving money is a way of 'paying' respect and shows affection and care for the elderly.
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页码:534 / 559
页数:26
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