Social authority in Yemeni folk proverbs: A study in the light of cultural criticism

Abstract

The research aims to explore the social patterns embedded in Yemeni folk proverbs, with the objective of uncovering the social values and beliefs that have a profound influence on the culture of the society. The study employs cultural criticism and its methodological procedures. Due to the nature of the critical analysis involved, the research is divided into an introduction and two main sections. The first section focuses on the patterns of constructing the center of social authority, while the second section examines the patterns of opposing and confronting social authority. The conclusion presents the key findings, the most significant of which is that Yemeni folk proverbs, with their implicit structure, depict the presence of tribal social authority as a center of power and influence, embodied by figures such as the sheikh and the tribal elder. This authority sought to establish behavioral practices that appeared to be rooted in tribal law and legitimacy, in order to strengthen its dominance and reinforce its hegemony. The legitimacy of social authority relies on the act of sacrificing for others to gain their loyalty. However, its dominance and control over individuals weaken when the sheikh is no longer able to make such sacrifices.