INSIGHTS OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN WRITERS INTO THE FAMILY CONCEPT AND GENDER ISSUES IN ALBANIA IN THE 1920s AND 1930s

The Albanian reality of the first half of the 20th century was very intriguing for foreigners who visited it at that time. Trying to understand the unusual circumstances, most of the visitors dared to grasp a sense of truth in Albanian life. Then, they did not hesitate to share it in various publication forms. The writings describe in detail many life aspects: the way geography had shaped the Albanian character, social and religious relations, linguistic peculiarities, economic developments, governmental enterprises, and foreign relations. The approach in which these aspects are outlined defines reliable literary resources for further studies from a modern perspective. This article focuses on the concept of the Albanian family and gender issues of the time. The article aims at throwing light on the Albanian conception of these two elements, by reviewing writings of British and American writers on Albanian family relations, the way they were reflected in gender issues, the relationship between generations, and fanatic bindings. Their description is so carefully handled by every writer, that for the non-Albanian reader it becomes clear why the terms shtëpi (house/household) and familje (family) were essentially different from the European understanding of both concepts.