The nomadic and the sedentary: polar complementaries, not polar opposites

bibliographic database
Line

Book chapter

Title:	The nomadic and the sedentary: polar complementaries, not polar opposites
Author:	Abbas, (Ahmed) Mohamed
Book title:	The desert and the sown; nomads in the wider society
Year:	1973
Pages:	97-112
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Sudan
Subjects:	ethnic relations nomads cotton
Abstract:	The prevailing view of the nomad/sedentary-state relation is one of polar opposition complementarity. The present author challenges this view by examining the socio-economic interaction and interdependence between the pastoral and nonpastoral groups inhabiting the North White Nile region of the Sudan, including the employment of pastoral nomads in cottonpicking in the White Nile schemes. Sections: introduction - contextual framework: pastoral and sedentary groups - sedentary economy and the need for imported labor - cotton-picking and type of labor needed - nomadic pastoralism and the seasonal surplus of labor - recruitment and the factors of physical and social proximity - socio-economic repercussions - conclusion: a pattern of socio-economic interactions has developed as a result of the employment of pastoral nomads in cotton-picking in a sedentary context, and has become a characteristic feature of nomad/sedentary relations. Notes, tab.