Abstract Book of the 8th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences Studies
Year: 2025
DOI:
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The Emergence, Development, and Decline of Breastfeeding Throughout History in Egypt
Sara Abutaleb
ABSTRACT:
This study explores the sociocultural phenomenon of “milk kinship” (الأخوان في الرضاعة) in Egypt and Jordan, focusing on its historical, social, artistic, literary, and legal dimensions. Milk kinship, a practice where a child is breastfed by a woman other than their biological mother, has deep roots in both societies, serving as a mechanism to strengthen social bonds and alliances. The research employs a comparative approach to analyze the similarities and differences in how this practice is perceived and practiced in the two countries. In Egypt, milk kinship is deeply tied to historical traditions, particularly in rural areas, while in Jordan, it remains a widespread practice across various social and geographic contexts. The study also examines the representation of milk kinship in literature and art, highlighting its cultural significance. From a legal and religious perspective, the research delves into Islamic jurisprudence, which regulates milk kinship and its implications for marriage and family ties. Additionally, the study addresses the decline of this practice in modern times due to the rise of artificial feeding, urbanization, and changing social norms. The findings reveal that while milk kinship has historically played a vital role in fostering social cohesion, its relevance has diminished in contemporary societies. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of traditional kinship practices and their evolution in the face of modernization, offering insights into the interplay between culture, religion, and social change in the Arab world.
keywords: Milk Kinship, Sociocultural Practices, Comparative Study, Islamic Jurisprudence, Modernization and Tradition