Honor In Bedouin

In Bedouin society, honor plays an important role in the way their social lives are constructed. They live by honor-linked values that make up what is known as the Bedouin code of honor. Honor is not just a status, it also becomes a standard to live by. For one to have honor and respect it has to be earned, and consequentially it can also be lost. Honor effects the reputation of an individual, as well as their kin. Honor is defined by important honor-linked values in which Bedouins live by, which include “generosity, honesty, sincerity, loyalty to friends, and keeping one’s word” (Abu-Lughod, 87). Bedouins not only can hold a title of having honor, but they also reciprocate honor to their guests. An example would be how the Haj honored Abu-Lughod’s father by agreeing to protect and treat her as he would his own daughter. This represents the virtue of generosity and keeping one’s word. Her father’s actions signified that she was indeed valued by her family, rather than looking like she was alienated. This was
An individual’s moral character is shaped by honor and modesty. Honor has to be achieved, and so you can’t just qualify for the status through age, gender, wealth, and ancestry alone. To obtain honor, holding a status of independence shows that one is free and does not need to depend on others. Having this freedom shows others that you have the power to do for yourself and this produces an image of courage. Dominance is shown through generosity and hospitality because it forces others to be dependent. Showing strength both physically and emotionally is also important to gain respect and honor. The idea of self-mastery is shown through physical stoicism and if one is in pain it is seen as a weakness to complain about it (Abu-Lughod, 90). All of the above qualities prove that one is worthy to have