ISSN:
1572-9915
Keywords:
Middle East
;
pastoralism
;
economic anthropology
;
economic mobility
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Ethnic Sciences
Notes:
Abstract Accounts of Southwest Asian pastoralism often suggest that wealth in animals is volatile. However, no systematic study has been undertaken to determine either the potential for herd increase and loss or the likely long-term implications of this potential. Drawing on an analysis of data from the Komachi nomads of south-central Iran and other Southwest Asian pastoralists, this paper addresses these questions. It argues that, contrary to conventional expectations, (a) herds in the region do not show potential for dramatic increase; (b) radical shifts in individual economic status are unlikely to occur through normal gains and losses; and (c) to the extent that short-term gains or losses of individual holdings do occur, long-term economic differentiation within a population can be expected.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01531106
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