Vite: reguli și pedepse în gospodărie. Studiu de caz
Cattle: rules and punishments in the household. Case study

Summary/Abstract: The study deals with two villages, Obârșa (Hunedoara county) and Târnăvișa (Arad county), where we conducted several interviews related to animal husbandry among peasants aged between 53 and 67 years old. These are experienced peasants whose households have a relevant number of cattle.The small universe of the peasant household has one of the most well-established systems of domestic cohabitation. The presence of a large number of animals is a sign of well-being only if the peasant is familiar with certain practices in dealing with animals. Some animals are kept for food, others for guarding. Cows and pigs are the most prized by the peasants, as they require a great deal of effort and physical investment to keep.In the peasants’ vision, daily balance and well-being can only be maintained in the household if certain rules of behavior towards the animals are respected, many of which are traditional. Caring for the welfare of farm animals is a requirement of good management, as opposed to negligence of any kind. In relation to animals, contemporary peasant practices show a perpetuation of disciplinary punishments. Nowadays, the peasant is still an expert in living with animals and is familiar with their behavior and, in general, tames them by gentle means.

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