This study reassesses several accepted truths about Arab village
society. It shows first that one cannot speak about the position of
women in general, because there is a great difference among women
depending on the structure of their households and relationships.
Women whose work contributes to the family's income, who have been
able to acquire property, who exert control over their sons, and
who have the quickness of mind to exploit suitable opportunities,
often have their way in the economic and political affairs of their
households and beyond.
Ginat's analysis of marriage patterns dispels the common notion
that men customarily seek the hand of their father's brother's
daughter, and that this type of marriage illustrates a principle of
endogamy in Arab village society. After carefully examining the
numerous reasons for each marriage, he concludes that a combination
of material and political considerations of the families involved,
and not stated norms, determines the choice of spouses.
The author clarifies the notion of honor, which hitherto has
been used to explain so many things in Arab society. In Arab
societies a man's honor often seems to depend on the reputation of
his women. Now it appears that his honor is gauged not by the
actual sexual comportment of women for whom he is morally
responsible, but by public attitudes towards that sexuality.
Ginat's analysis adds to our understanding of some central themes
in Arab society. He provides valuable and complete information
about aspects of family life that have rarely been covered in such
detail.
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