Customary Rights in Albanian Society and Issues Related to Gender (Kanun of Leke Dukagjini and Kanun of Luma)

Enkelejda Cenaj, Ph.D., lecturer
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education
Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania
e-mail: enicenaj@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1026-4475

Merlina Koseni, Ph.D., lecturer
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education
Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania
e-mail: mpograzha@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5664-3455

ABSTRACT

The richness of the Albanian culture, its traditions, and customs easily fascinate any researcher. Amidst the diversity of these traditions and customs, certain elements have played a role in reinforcing gender role divisions and strengthening patriarchal mentalities. Through this article, it is intended to explore customary laws that have nurtured and strengthened gender role divisions, by exploring the customary rights in the Kanun of Leke Dukagjini and Kanun of Luma, which have been implemented in the northern and northeastern part of Albania. The Kanuns, as customary rights, and codes of laws, have served as a legal basis for a long time in the Albanian society, and they are an important part of the cultural tradition of Albania. This article highlights elements that have influenced the strengthening of patriarchal mindsets, which contributed to the unequal position of women in family and society.
Although nowadays the customary rights in the Kanuns are considered obsolete, the Kanun norms have often served as the opposite of the current legal regulations and continue to do so. In many cases, the rules of the Kanuns have been followed by the people in different areas of life, often conflicting with the law in force. The customary rights of the Kanuns and the mindset created by them have contributed to the strengthening of the patriarchal mentality and the division of gender roles. Gender roles perpetuate inequalities between females and males, where there are clear divisions inside the Kanun regulations, which are still strong and influential on gender-related issues.

Keywords: gender roles, Kanuns, customary rights, patriarchal society, Albanian society

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How to cite:
Cenaj, E., Koseni, M. (2023). “Customary Rights in Albanian Society and Issues Related to Gender (Kanun of Leke Dukagjini and Kanun of Luma).” Journal of Comparative Studies 16 (45), 126-143. https://doi.org/10.59893/jcs.16(45).006