Berit Backer: An Anthropologist’s Legacy in Kosovo

Life and Work of Berit Backer in Understanding Albanian Family Structures and Culture

Berit Backer (August 3, 1947 – March 7, 1993) was a pioneering Norwegian social anthropologist and ethnographer whose work left an indelible mark on the understanding of Albanian culture and family structures, particularly in Kosovo. As the head of the Institute of Peace Research (PRIO) between 1978 and 1982, Backer dedicated her life to the cause of human rights and the study of Albanian national issues.

Backer’s journey into the world of Albanian studies began during her first visit to Albania in 1969, where she was captivated by the Albanian people’s culture and their struggle for independence. This fascination led her to pursue a scholarly degree in social anthropology, focusing her research on the traditional Albanian society. Fluent in Albanian, Backer immersed herself in the local culture, conducting fieldwork in the village of Isniq in the Rugova Valley of Kosovo in 1975. Her seminal work, “Behind Stone Walls,” is a comprehensive study of the formation and evolution of household and family structures among Kosovo Albanians, based on her meticulous fieldwork.

Backer’s research unveiled the complex dynamics of Albanian family life, emphasizing the deeply entrenched patriarchal structure and the significant yet often underappreciated role of women within the household. She described the isolation and intense pressure faced by women to remain sexually pure and obedient, with the family and household always taking precedence over individual desires. The patrilineal bloodline system necessitated strict control over women’s reproductive choices, ensuring the preservation of family honor and loyalty.

Backer delved deeply into the social fabric of Kosovo households, where multi-generational living was the norm. Extended families often lived under one roof, with clear hierarchical structures based on age and gender. The eldest male typically held the position of authority, making decisions that affected the entire household. This system was both a source of stability and a constraint, as younger members, particularly women, had limited autonomy. The household operated as a unit, with everyone contributing to its maintenance and survival, reinforcing the collective over the individual.

In her studies, Backer noted that Albanian communication often involved saying only half of what was meant, with much being understood implicitly within the tight-knit community. Despite her fluency in Albanian, she initially struggled to grasp the full context of conversations in Isniq, as much was left unsaid but understood by virtue of living in such a close community.
Hearing her speak Albanian in the rich, melodic dialect of Kosovo always brings a smile. It’s not just the familiar words, but the unique intonations and expressions that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Each phrase she utters feels like a musical connection to a cherished heritage, reminding us of the cultural tapestry that binds us together.

Backer also highlighted the rigid gender roles and the societal expectations placed on both men and women. She observed that men were expected to keep women at a distance, with falling in love seen as a sign of unreliability and immaturity. The ideal man in Isniq was one who could control his emotions and maintain a stoic demeanor, while women were expected to navigate their lives within the confines of the household.

Despite these challenges, Backer’s work illuminated the resilience and strength of the Albanian women she studied. She noted that in 1975, there were more Albanian girls in school than boys, a testament to the potential for change within the traditional society. However, the economic crash of 1981 forced many women to become dependent on their husbands once again, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Backer’s dedication to Albanian causes extended beyond her academic work. She became a beloved figure among Albanian activists for her tireless efforts and advocacy. Unable to visit Albania due to political restrictions, she focused her research on Kosovo, becoming one of the first foreigners to conduct anthropological work in the region. Her master’s thesis, submitted to the University of Oslo in 1979, and her subsequent publications, including a study on Albania’s self-reliance culture, solidified her reputation as an expert on Albanian society.

In 1992, Backer participated in the documentary film “The Albanians of Rrogam,” which explored the lives of villagers in Rrogam and Thethi, Albania. The film depicted the struggles and resilience of the Albanian people as they awaited government decisions on the privatization of agricultural lands following the fall of communism. Backer’s participation added depth to the documentary, offering insights from her extensive research and personal experiences in the region. The film highlighted her ability to connect with the local population, capturing the essence of their daily lives and the cultural transitions they were undergoing.

Tragically, Berit Backer’s life was cut short when she was murdered by a mentally disturbed Kosovar Albanian man in 1993. Her death was a significant loss to the field of anthropology and to the Albanian community she had dedicated her life to understanding and supporting. Despite her untimely death, Backer’s legacy lives on through her groundbreaking research and the continued relevance of her work in understanding the complexities of Albanian family structures and cultural dynamics.

In 2018, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi posthumously honored Backer by dedicating the Presidential Jubilee Award to her family, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the study of Albanian culture and her unwavering commitment to human rights.

Berit Backer’s work remains a testament to the power of anthropological research in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate social structures that shape our world. Her insights into the traditional Albanian society continue to resonate, offering valuable perspectives on the ongoing evolution of family dynamics and gender roles in Kosovo and beyond.