Women's Marital Strategies among the Kpelle of Liberia

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Abstract
The study examines ways in which women and men in rural Kpelle communities use marriage and filial ties to improve their status and acquire power. It argues that both men and women try to maintain independence from superiors when economically possible, but try to keep other people bound to them in ties of obligation. Because men use female production and reproduction to enhance their own positions, they prefer to marry. Conversely, women marry only to acquire male labor or a wealthy husband. However, both men and women try to get their children to support them and marry spouses who will support them. The study concludes that age rather than sex distinctions are ultimately most helpful in explaining Kpelle individuals' goals and strategies.

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