Family alliances and comparatico among a group of Calabrian-Australian families in Adelaide, South Australia
Date
2014
Authors
Marino, S.
Chiro, G.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Anthropological Research, 2014; 70(1):107-130
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
The present study examines baptism godparenthood, the Italian spiritual kinship system (known as comparatico) among people originating from rural areas of Calabria, southern Italy, who migrated to Adelaide, South Australia, in the 1950s and 1960s. The study specifically investigates the transmission of norms and the widespread observance of duties associated with the practice of comparatico among participants. Social relations among allied families produce social capital by generating high levels of obligations and expectations. Participants have maintained and reinforced spiritual kinship with non-kin, often originating from the same Calabrian village. The study reveals how the comparatico system evolves into an extended network influencing everyday practices. Non-consanguineous informants, after becoming compari (family allies), are bound by obligations and/or privileges involving both their private and socioeconomic lives.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2015 University of New Mexico