Everyday Islam: Religion and Tradition in Rural Central Asia

by Sergei P. Poliakov, Martha Brill Olcott

Overview

With a rapidly growing population, deteriorating economic and environmental conditions, and an unstable imperial centre, Soviet Central Asia would seem destined to become one of the world's trouble spots. Why then the apparent political quiet? This book argues that this perception is, in itself, a reflection of our ignorance of the region. Instead, argues the author, Islamic traditionalism has not only survived but has flourished and is resurgent in Central Asia. This book includes chapters on marital customs, the care of children, communal decision making, social prestige and values, and the "second" economy in Central Asia. Poliakov demonstrates the resilience of an "un-Soviet" way of life which is supported by underground institutions, fostered by "unofficial" clergy, and protected by the infiltration and subordination of government and party organs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780873326735
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/28/1992
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1340L (what's this?)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Authored by Poliakov, Sergei P.; Olcott, Martha Brill

Table of Contents

Part I Background; Chapter 1 Central Asian Traditionalism; Chapter 2 Sources of Information; Chapter 3 Some History; Part II Economic Bases of Traditionalism; Chapter 4 Traditionalism and the Economic Structure; Chapter 5 Commercial Operations; Chapter 6 Demographics and Employment; Chapter 7 Private Enterprise and Livestock; Part III Traditionalism and the Family; Chapter 8 Central Asian Family Structure; Chapter 9 Traditional Child Rearing; Chapter 10 The Mahalla; Chapter 11 Gender and Behavior; Chapter 12 The Family Budget; Part IV The Role of Religion in the Community; Chapter 13 Religious Institutions; Chapter 14 The Clergy; partV Social Dynamics of Traditionalism; Chapter 15 Traditionalism and the Working Class; Chapter 16 Traditionalism and the Intelligentsia; Chapter 17 Social Tensions;