Inter-family conflicts and the «evil of envy»

Abstract

In contrast to the functionalist perspective, the author seeks to demonstrate, based on data gathered in two villages in the «Minho» region of Portugal, that in addition to forms of mutual help and solidarity there have been long-standing and intense inter-family conflicts. These conflicts are based on differential degrees of control of resources by the different families. Working from this framework it is possible to explain the generalised phenomenon of the «evil of envy» («mal de inveja»), with the inherent jealousies, rivalries and disagreements between families of equal and unequal standing.