Choice 评论
Grinker (George Washington Univ.) focuses on the social concept of equality and inequality among and between the Lese and Efe peoples of Zaire. Lese males are co-equals. However, there is inequality on the one hand between Lese and Efe and on the other hand between Lese males and females. Even though there are shades of cultural differences between the Lese and the Efe, there has been a long-standing partnership between them. Done in the mid 1980s, the study examines the role and significance of village (clan) and house in the Lese-Efe relationship. In searching for answers to the questions raised in the study, the author utilized the knowledge of language and symbols. Among symbols, Grinker emphasizes the organization of the house as the fulcrum "of production, consumption and distribution of foods" and also the physical source of social differentiation and identification of inequalities. Grinker's book is unlike most studies by "ethnipologists": he argues that among the Lese-Efe, the household and the clan are distinct cultural institutions. The ideal of the clan is as an equalizer. Blood brothers should always have the same quantity and quality of nonagricultural possessions, grow the same crops, and produce the same amount. Throughout his discussion, the author points out that, despite numerous provocations, the Lese-Efe connection has not embraced interethnic or extraethnic violence and remains in isolation to this day. Graduate students and professionals; also interested general readers. J. M. Zwana; SUNY College at Old Westbury