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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The gift economy: a study of women migrants' survival strategies in a low-income Bamako neighborhood
Authors:Vaa, M.
Findley, S.E.
Diallo, Assitan
Year:1989
Periodical:Labour, Capital and Society
Volume:22
Issue:2
Pages:234-260
Language:English
Geographic term:Mali
Subjects:women migrants
household income
gifts
women
Abstract:This paper analyses how the institution of gift-giving is elaborated and used as a survival strategy among women migrants in a poor Bamako neighbourhood (Mali). Urban men often fail to provide fully for their families. The socioeconomic niches which women find for themselves to make ends meet are in the production and sale of immediate consumption goods, where earnings are low and irregular. This study shows that exchanges of gifts and services play an important part in helping people to cope with everyday demands. Though they may continue to give gifts to their family, the gifts received show that it is friends who materially support the women. The pattern of gift transactions shows clear gender differences. Women help each other with housework, sales activities and small sums of money for daily needs, while men's transactions are typically linked to leisure activities. Those who can afford to do so remit regularly to their families. Conversely, there is little evidence of dependence on rural kin. Although family control over women still may be strong, urban women's new economic responsibilities and the exchange and help patterns they develop indicate a restructuring of social bonds in the city. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in French.
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