The Role of Women Facilitators of Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan by Alina
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The role of women facilitators of bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan by Alina Sadykova B.A., Bishkek Humanities University, 2008 A THESIS submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF ARTS Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work College of Arts and Sciences KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2021 Approved by: Major Professor Dr. Lisa Melander Copyright © Alina Sadykova 2021. Abstract The practice of kidnapping young women in Kyrgyzstan for forced marriage has existed for many years and has resulted in physical, psychological, and sexual violence against young women. Even though bride kidnapping has always been illegal, it has been routinely practiced throughout history. The process involves various actors at different stages, including a groom and his male friends, and his female and male relatives. The role of female relatives is significant in this process. By helping the groom, these women facilitate and contribute to the continuation of this illegal practice. Even though there is a growing body of literature on bride kidnapping, few studies have explored the roles of women facilitators of bride kidnapping. In fact, there is no study that specifically targets women facilitators, and little is known about their motives and perceptions of bride kidnapping. Knowing more about this topic is essential as bride kidnapping as it is practiced today could not continue without their involvement. As such, through a qualitative interview of women facilitators, my research is aimed at exploring the motivational factors and how these women facilitators understand their involvement in bride kidnapping and this practice in general. The study suggests six themes emerged based on the findings and provides recommendations for future research and policy. Key words: bride kidnapping, women facilitators, ceremony of persuasion, kinship duty. Table of Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. vi Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 2 - Literature Review ......................................................................................................... 6 Origins and Extent of Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan ............................................................. 6 The Stages of Bride Kidnapping ................................................................................................. 9 Women’s Roles in Bride Kidnapping ....................................................................................... 10 Legality and Punishment .......................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3 - Theoretical Framework .............................................................................................. 16 Feminist Explanation of Bride Kidnapping .............................................................................. 16 Social Learning Theory ............................................................................................................ 21 Neutralization Theory ............................................................................................................... 24 Chapter 4 - Aim of the Study ........................................................................................................ 27 Chapter 5 - Methodology .............................................................................................................. 28 Sample Description ................................................................................................................... 29 Interview Process ...................................................................................................................... 31 Challenges during the Interviews ............................................................................................. 32 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 32 Chapter 6 - Reflexivity Statement ................................................................................................. 34 Chapter 7 - Results ........................................................................................................................ 37 Bride Kidnapping Terminology & Ceremony .......................................................................... 37 Kyzdy oturguzuu – a women-led ceremony of convincing a girl to accept her marriage .... 38 Achuu basaar – a men-led ceremony of paying a visit to the kidnapped girl’s family ......... 44 Factors Motivating Women to Facilitate the Ceremony of Persuasion .................................... 45 Theme 1: Family/kinship duty .............................................................................................. 45 Theme 2: Maintaining family network ................................................................................. 48 Women’s Understanding of their Experience as Facilitators of the Ceremony of Persuasion . 50 Theme 1: Women as mediators ............................................................................................. 50 Theme 2: Women as performers ........................................................................................... 55 iv Women Facilitator’s Views of Bride Kidnapping .................................................................... 57 Theme 1: Cultural views ....................................................................................................... 58 Subtheme 1: Bride kidnapping is a tradition..................................................................... 58 Subtheme 2: Bride kidnapping is not a tradition. ............................................................. 60 Theme 2: Legal views ........................................................................................................... 62 Subtheme 1: Bride kidnapping is a crime. ........................................................................ 62 Subtheme 2: Kinship duty over law. ................................................................................. 64 Chapter 8 - Discussion and Conclusion ........................................................................................ 66 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 66 Factors motivating women to facilitate bride kidnapping: kinship duty & family network . 67 Women’s perception of their facilitation of bride kidnapping: mediators & performers ..... 71 Women facilitators’ view of bride kidnapping: cultural & legal .......................................... 73 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 77 Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 79 Strengths of the Project ............................................................................................................. 79 Policy Implications ................................................................................................................... 80 Future Research ........................................................................................................................ 81 References ..................................................................................................................................... 83 Appendix A - Interview Guide ..................................................................................................... 90 v List of Tables Table 5.1. Participants’ Background Characteristics and Bride Kidnapping Experiences .......... 30 vi Acknowledgements First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my precious kind, smart and beautiful daughter. It was not an easy journey for both of us, especially for you with me being constantly busy with my school and work. Despite your young age, you were very supportive, understanding, and caring. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Next, I would like to sincerely thank my major professor, Dr. Lisa Melander, for providing invaluable guidance throughout my research, sharing your knowledge and expertise, constantly motivating me when I would stumble upon challenges along the road to completion of my project, your patience and support that were invaluable for me. It was a privilege and great honor for me to have worked with you under your mentorship. Special thank is to my committee members, Dr. Nadia Shapkina and Dr. Alisa Garni. No words can describe how grateful I am for all your support, encouragement, enthusiasm, and learning opportunities you have provided. Many thanks to Director of Open Line in Kyrgyzstan, Munara Beknazarova, Dr. Russel Kleinbach, Dr. John Mahoney, and all the participants of my project for your kindness, your time, sharing your knowledge with me, ongoing willingness to cooperate, and tremendous support provided during my research. Last, but not least my sincere appreciation is to my family members, my parents, my sister and brother, and my husband, as well as my friends. Your