Ethnographic Research in Albania

Item Set

Title
Ethnographic Research in Albania
Type
ethnography
research (function)
social anthropology
Description
Through a series of in-depth interviews, the study reveals that all interviewed women had their marriages arranged by their parents without their consent. The women unanimously expressed a preference for marriages based on love over arranged ones. Despite finding ways to make their marriages work, primarily through earning their husband’s family’s respect, the women regretted not having the opportunity to choose their partners. They also highlighted the significant age gap between themselves and their husbands, typically around ten years. This research provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural traditions surrounding arranged marriages impact women’s lives and their views on marital relationships in contemporary Albania.
Relation
Peace Volunteering Network
Is Part Of
ECHO III For Memory's SakeECHO III: For Memory's Sake
Ethnographic Research
Spatial Coverage
Albania
had participant
researcher
Merushe Zeneli
Date
2022
Abstract
Excerpts from the Interviews (woman, 78 years old):
"How do you understand the words ‘arranged marriage’?"
-An arranged marriage is when two villages…this individual would get to the family head, the father-in-law, mother in law and the future husband
"What makes a marriage work?"
-Ah I think what makes it…I would say the behavior of the man but also the woman’s. The woman’s behavior is even more important because she has to –in my opinion- earn the husband’s family’s respect…even though that is reciprocal both sides need to show respect

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