| Abstract: | The Lemba of southeastern Shaba in Zaire have retained a distinctive form of matrilineal social organization that emphasizes the social value of women. Although they are not full equals of men in the present period, women continue to control important resources and retain considerable autonomy. The high status of Lemba women is correlated with greater nutritional equality among men and women than among neighboring groups with different social organization and lower relative status of women. Changes taking place in the present, however, cast doubt upon the continuing survival of the distinctive Lemba culture. |
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