‘Shaking Hands with Money’: The Phenomenon of<i>Gap</i>in Modern Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study examines gap—traditional reciprocal associations common in Central Asia. Gap is an unofficial, regular get-together of people of similar age bound by socially acknowledged ties. The study argues that gap represents a communal type of civil society featuring many differences from analogous groups in Western liberal societies. Gap may effect social consciousness and facilitate mobilisation. The study also analyses modern forms of gap such as joint savings funds, female-only get-togethers, and internet-based gap.

Identifiers

DOI

10.1080/09668136.2017.1355965

Citations and references