Ties That Bind: Marital Networks and Politics in Punjab, Pakistan

Lyon, Stephen M.; Mughal, M.A.Z.

Abstract

Pakistani politics are characterised by strong corporate social links through kinship and caste that impose reciprocal obligations and rights. Marital maps allow for accurate prediction of allegiances and decision making and contribute to a transparent assessment of political processes in the country. While much of the focus on reciprocal relations has understandably been on descent relations (dynasties), the complex network of marital alliances that cut across lineage and sectarian divides helps explain notable levels of stability despite the fragility of the state and other public institutions. Using the example of one of the most successful political dynasties in post independence Pakistan, we show the extent of cross lineage, region and even party alliances that shape this political kinship network.

Citation

Lyon, S. M., & Mughal, M. (2016). Ties That Bind: Marital Networks and Politics in Punjab, Pakistan. Structure and dynamics, 9(2), Article imbs_socdyn_sdeas_32330

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 4, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Sep 9, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 9, 2016
• Journal: Structure and dynamics ejournal of anthropological and related sciences.
• Electronic ISSN: 1554-3374
• Publisher: University of California eScholarship Repository
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 2
• Article Number: imbs_socdyn_sdeas_32330
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1376797
• Publisher URL: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/5378v2fx