The relevancy of Harari values in self regulation and as a mechanism of behavioral control: historical aspects

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Date
2016
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University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

The subject under consideration in this dissertation is various values of a particular society who refer to themselves as gey usu (people of the city). To expound how they utilize values to regulate their members’ behaviors and the relations they have with other people four entities are identified: Family, educational, trade and social institutions. Family as the basic institution is discussed to expound how birth and marriage ceremonies are perceived by Hararis. How these events are surrounded by various symbols with the values enshrined in them, which are expressed through rituals, actions, words and gestures, are as well expounded. The mechanisms how these symbols are used to regulate individual and social behaviors are also discussed. Education as one of the vital instruments to develop the individuals and the society which should enjoy continuous sufficiency and prosperity is also discussed. How successful the society is in achieving these goals is dependent on the values the education system is promoting. Trade, which is much related with Harar and Hararis history, how it is used as a means of securing and maintaining peace through concessions to other people is discussed. This dissertation suggests the underlying ideas of peaceful trade are values such as righteousness, honesty, sincerity, diligence, trust, non-discrimination and fairness in the relations among traders. The Harari social institutions are used to control the behaviors of their members and the relations the community should have with other communities. They are used as a device to exclude from or to include others to Harari. The underlying values they apply to that end are thoroughly discussed in this dissertation. The qualitative research method presented here is based upon fieldwork conducted in Harar for more than two and half years. Empirical and conceptual literatures, regarding Harar and the concept and theories of values (a concept that is common to different disciplines), are undertaken. Finally conclusions are made.

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Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
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Law
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