The midwife advises on post-natal care of the mother and the baby. Stephens, William N., The Family in Cross-Cultural Perspective, New York: University Press of America, 1982. 5. The wishes of parents and the dead were honored. They affect all aspects of Africa, including care, marriages, and social status, since kinship controls people's relationships, moral values, and attitudes. Ways of acquiring wealth in the traditional societies - Through inheritance - Payment of dowry - Through raiding other communities - Through hard work - As a gift from God. Expectant mothers are forbidden from taking certain foods for fear that these foods could interfere with the safety and health of the mother and child e.g. They can also reveal-hidden information e.g. Your husband or wife, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law are all kinsmen related to you through marriage. The land belonged to the whole community. 10. Are made up of smaller units called clan. Women were not allowed to own property. Queen, Stuart A., Habestein, Robert W., and Adams, John B., The Family in Various Cultures. CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING Today many people talk of the way things were sometimes back many factors have affected the African culture. Among the Akamba and the Agikuyu. NAMING Nearly all-African names have a meaning. Religion, in the African indigenous context, permeates all departments of life. Many women today put on trousers that initially were meant for men. Types of Kinship. Kinship ties definition: Kinship is the relationship between members of the same family. They feel a strong bond towards each other because they are tied by kinship relationships to one another. - Patriotism. - They preside over important occasions such as initiation, planting and marriage. They include: i. Wedding ceremony - After the negotiation the wedding ceremonies are arranged. It symbolizes the union between the living and the dead. 7. Factors contributing to harmony and Mutual Responsibility in African Traditional Societies In traditional African Society, every individual is related to all. Twins are also given special names e.g. Which factors have led to the weakening of kinship ties in Kenya today? Information on traditional marriage customs among both patrilineal and matrilineal peoples of Zambia is available in Yizenge A. Chondoka, Traditional Marriages in Zambia: A Study in Cultural History, (Ndola: Mission Press, 1988). - This special treatment starts before and continues after childbirth. Edited by Arthur Phillips, (London: Oxford University Press, 1953), 24 Audrey I. Richards, Bemba Marriage and Present Economic Conditions, The Rhodes-Livingstone Papers, (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1969). false T/F: Female slaves generally worked outdoors while male slaves did domestic work. - Wealth is no longer determined in terms of the number of wives or children. Measures that are taken to make sure virginity is preserved i).Virginity is highly valued and a girl is meant to preserve her virginity until marriage. Furthermore, the woman will bear children and thus enrich her husband and the wider circle of relatives from both sides. 6. They act as intermediaries between God and human beings. e. In certain communities pregnant women and children are not allowed to go near touch the corpse to avoid misfortunes. Prayers also connect the living and the dead. - Honesty. These primary ties, as we may call them,4 are biologically the same in all societies,5 though, functionally, they may differ from culture to culture.6 But kinship ties do not rest within the reproductive family. Factors that have affected Kinship system 1. Therefore, they try to restrict the kinship ties. Yet, equal opportunities is, perhaps, the essential defining element of an inclusive vii. Although polygamy is the act of an individual being married to more than one spouse at the same time, the more commonly practiced in Africa is polygyny .the legal marriage of one man to two or more women concurrently is permitted.4 This author argues that because of its perversity, the presence and absence of polygyny was a significant determinant and indicator of the nature of virtually every African social group; whether tribe, clan, or extended family, whether matrilineality or patrilineality was practiced, bride price existed, and how children were raised. The clan is linked by four factors. They may receive messages from the spirits and ancestors. viii. The community disciplined those who showed traits of greed over ownership of property. - In some communities, marriage is not recognized without children. 2. Dowry seals marriage, before dowry is paid marriage is considered as incomplete. - Generosity. The new hair that grows shows the beginning of new life. (Lusaka: Nalinga Consultancy/Sol-Consult A/ S Limited, 1989) p.97, 46 R.A. LeVine. iv. Second, social support is usually sought from the matrilineal line or descent group. Same ancestry: People of a particular community believe that they have the same origin e.g. could advice on when to go to war. The following day, the naming ceremony takes place. The issue to emphasize, is not so much that there are no weaknesses or shortcomings in the traditional African family, but that the Eurocentric Anglo-Saxon descriptions (that are believed to be objective and describe social phenomena as accurately as possible) eliminate, and over shadow the strengths and positive aspects that might have existed and may still exist in the African traditional family patterns. In the western culture, marriage results in permanent bonds between the couple, with centrally assigned sexual rights among the couple and parenthood responsibility. vi. - They negotiate for peace in time of war with another community. To give the mother time to heal. One-parent families headed by a woman for any reason are much poorer ($30,296 in 2008 median annual income) than those headed by a man ($44,358). 4. vi. By 1935, for example, anthropologists like Mair and Richards and no doubt many others were already noticing change in marriage and family patterns.36. the introduction of money economy. Sometimes people mistake that they are witch doctors especially Christians. The case studies presented will be those of the Baganda of Uganda and Bemba of Northern Zambia. For example honesty is expected in marriage. Primary kinship refers to direct relations. It also gives them time to find out the background of the partners e.g. They are not supposed to take part in heavy duties or carry heavy loads. Yet in some communities when a woman is pregnant she is not allowed to talk to her husband directly. - Marriage enables one to assume leadership rules an unmarried person would not be chosen a leader. Establishing that traditional Kenyan culture and custom was supportive of high fertility in no way establishes how strongly held are these practices today or how quickly they may change as the socioeconomic basis of the real day-to-day society changes. Most of these ceremonies are religious. By Timothy T. Schwartz, PhD. A curse by a senior relative. Kinship ties are strong bonds that exist among community members. the Agikuyu the ancestors are Mumbi and Gikuyu were created by Ngai. - They are given financial assistance. Bantu migrations also helped to spread agriculture and herding to all parts of Africa. Prayers are offered also during time of calamities. The mother and the child is no longer secluded. Barnes, Marriage in a Changing Society: a Study in Structural Change among the Fort Jameson Ngoni, The Rhodes-Livingstone Papers, (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1951, 1970). The clan chooses the heir. She organizes the disposal of the placenta (after birth). Edited by G.A. 5. At childhood children are taught to obey parents and the elderly. The kinship systems govern care,. How the of rites passage inculcate moral values In the traditional African communities, people learn the moral values through every days activities and through education provided. 4. 2. ii. They were believed to have a lot of experience in life. Maintaining ties of kinship is the way to the security of the Muslim nation. Download to read offline. (1) According to the Dictionary of Anthropology, "Kinship system includes socially recognized relationships based on supposed as well as actual genealogical ties.". 9. Some scholars have suggested that this arrangement might be fraught with potential social problems and conflict.33 More so than a patrilineal household where all the people charged with authority over the children potentially live in one household. Hotel Hope Ministries is a fully registered South African non-profit organisation established with aim of ensuring that each and every child is brought up in a safe, happy and healthy home so that they can grow up and develop into responsible and positive adults. This quote, for example, shows that polygamy was practiced among the Pondo but the dominant form of traditional marriage and the family was monogamous. The common descriptions of the African traditional family in the literature is Eurocentric and biased. - They help the priests to performing certain rituals such as sacrifices. It is a sign of belonging to the society or identification. There were clear guidelines, rules and regulations on the use and ownership of land. Kinship refers to relationship between people through blood, marriage or adoption. In many matrilineal societies, the maternal uncle in the go-between or undertakes all the arrangements and responsibilities for his nephews marriage.32 In case of divorce, the womens people were legal guardians of the children. - Gambling. In some instances a go between would be used to identify a suitable partner. The . However, as a prospective husband, you are told to pay for the marriage and not the bride. Land was also a source of medicine in the form of herbs and minerals. 4) Some people who falsely claim to be diviners today simply exploit the ignorance of the people. .. There are strict rules and taboos governing sex. When a girl is getting married her mothers brother must be consulted. 6 It separates one from the loved ones. They live in one Geographical area. v. They drive a way witches and evil spirits. 3. Names are also given in honor of ancestors. to find out if they are related. [1] - It also shows that the woman is fully integrated to the husbands family - There are certain rules and regulations she is expected to observe. It varies from culture to culture, from society to society. Lusaka: National Educational Company of Zambia, and Kenneth Kaunda Foundation, 1970. - In African traditional society, each individual is related to the other. People who are directly related to each other are known as primary kin. This was because: - i. Africans believe that land was given to them by God. 2. Marriage has been commercialized - many people demand higher payment for their daughter. The basic kinship unit of Bemba society is not the individual family, but a matrilocal extended family composed of a man and his wife, their married daughters, and the latters husbands and children.24, A young Bemba couple live in the same hut with a child of pre-weaning age whom they may have. They play the role of counselors and advisors to the community. For example, all weapons and iron implements are removed from the house of an expectant mother. Goldthorpe, J.E., The Sociology of the Third World: Disparity and Development. This helps to control peoples behaviors. Included in this same bigger household will be servants, female slaves, and their children.10 The father remains the head of the nuclear family units. iii. Edited by G.A. They do not have good food or accommodation. g. The body is carefully placed in the grave facing an appropriate direction according to the customs of the people. 3. - Land can now be sold or auctioned. The contention that questions the existence of African traditional society and culture has been clearly beyond reasonable doubt asserted to agreement however there are presences of constraints towards the flourishing of these societies as, Internal factors which include; Lack of unity among members of the society, differentiation of ideologies . Price, Thomas., A Short English-Nyanja Vocabulary. Western Culture: Has provided the spirit of individualization. vi. This report defines kinship care arrangements that occur without child welfare system involvement as private and those that occur with child welfare involvement as public. Second Edition, London: Cambridge University Press, 1984, Ch. 3) They are fortunetellers and palm readers. Richards, Audrey I., Bemba Marriage and Present Economic Conditions, The Rhodes-Livingstone Papers, Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1969. Spirit of sharing: In African Traditional Community there is the spirit of sharing of resources among the members of a community e.g. 28-39. a diviner would be called when something was stolen. Girls take care of the babies and fetch firewood. - Prayers are also offered to God for protection. The Baganda people of Uganda provide the best illustration.7. Why the practice female circumcision is dying out. Children are expected to help in minor household tasks. It was used to bury the dead, the spirits were believed to dwell on land or below the ground. It gives the couple time to study the character of the partner and find out if he or she is the best. The elderly are physically in active. vii. The gifts also act as security in case the marriage breaks then the gifts could be returned. LeVine40 described some of the customs and patterns that surround interaction in the traditional African family as institutionalized restrictions, segregated patterns, and avoidance patterns. There is wailing in the house to show how the fellow was dear to them. Because of this wide spectrum, it is not possible to explore all aspects of the traditional African family. In view of the poor development of social security systems outside the family, hardly anyone would wish to escape the power of kinship ties. 8. Mothers and children would die at childbirth to cases where there is no skilled mid-wife. It is feared and marked with a lot of sorrow. Defines kinship and explains its importance. (2) Active leisure: This involves the use of the physical energy. In addition, the women who have got gainful jobs seek more freedom in many aspects. Characteristics of African community 1. Kinship is the relationship, including social relationship, that exists between two or more individuals, and kinship has a major influence on political, and economic systems in many different regions from around the world. iv. Young initiates are trained to be responsible husbands and wives in future. Traditional African Society. Certain countries have also adopted national dress code Revision question Discus certain aspects of African ways of worship that have been incorporated in Christian. 2. Many of the rituals that were performed to the mother and the child are today seen as unnecessary. - The departed relatives are kept alive through naming. In male-speaking terms, fathers sisters daughters (cross-cousins) are called cousins. 6. 7. In fact cases where the father-in-law has to issue orders are perhaps such a minority that it is ironical that they are used to characterize the whole social interaction. The moral values learnt include:- -Obedience/loyalty. The descriptions implicitly portray (to the African and Westerner) African relationships as being negative, rigid and miserable. The dramatic social changes in Africa during the last three decades of political independence from European colonialism have obviously affected the traditional family. Rules and Regulations: People in the community are governed by rules and regulations, which are strictly followed. They include;- 1. According to Dziro and Mhlanga (2018), urbanization, HIV/AIDS, and poverty in Africa are all factors that stifle the effectiveness of informal kinship approaches to proper childcare and. At times girls could be given to repay debts. Stern norms/ values which promote individualism. This is certainly no longer the case in the contemporary African traditional family. Power and authority in matrilineal societies ultimately lies in the woman and her brother. Depending on the region and the people, these. - Hardworking. Christianity and Islam were able to absorb many African religions because of each religion believed in a single supreme being that was the creator and ruler of the universe. Land Ownership: It is no longer communal affair but a private affair. To give the mother time to recover the lost energy. 2. Some people believe casting of an evil eye would cause bodily harm to somebody. iv. © 2023 Tutorke Limited. - Sometimes the orphans and widows have their property destroyed or snatched. - Life is also considered to be more precious and highly valued. - Among the Luo the bride could be accompanied by her other sisters and on the first night, the people would witness the breaking of virginity. ii. they are operational and obtainable in every society around the world be it traditional or modern. A community has distinct beliefs, customs and cultural practices. There are meteorologists who predict the weather conditions. 6. Before initiation one is not fully considered belonging to the community. - Kinship defines and enforces duties and responsibilities of individuals. Adams, Bert N., The Family: A Sociological Interpretation, 4th Edition, New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers, 1986. White, C.M.N., Tradition and Change in Luvale Marriage, The Rhodes-Livingstone Papers, Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1962, 1969. MARRIAGE This is the third rite that an individual is expected to go through in life. Both the mother and the child are given charms to protect them. vii. The study of African societies has become an established area of scholarship, with sophisticated analyses that are far from earlier works . pp.164-202. Headmanships of villages, court offices, ritual titles, and chieftainships are passed on in this way. Everybody is a part of the other. Communal worship prayers are offered to God to thank Him for whatever he has done. People nowadays migrate and buy lands in far places. 25 This book is written in Chewa indigenous Central African language. Kinship relationships also determine social obligations and responsibilities, such as who has the right to inherit property or who is responsible for caring for children These changes have been brought about by:- i. 16. Some herbalists have been legalized by the government and have opened clinics e.g. Courtship gives the two families time to prepare in advance for the real marriage. - They give direction on funeral ceremonies and advise on what should be done about the ceremony. For example, among the Tumbuka38 of Eastern Zambia the verb kugula (to buy) is used to refer to purchasing of material objects or commodities and domestic animals. Because of this, extended families among the Bemba are not really as large as those found, especially among patriarchal polygynous traditional families in other tribes be it in Southern, Eastern, or West Africa.28 Polygamy is relatively speaking uncommon in this area and the institution is not an essential part of the Bemba family and economic life as it is among so many Bantu peoples.29, The Bembas kinship is based on descent in the matrilineal line. factors. It is a source of food for the people and the animals. Dec. 31, 2007. (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1958, 1967, 1975). They would also announce the sex of the child. Early marriages are encountered to reduce fornication. Choosing of a marriage partner This differs from one community to another. Urbanization: Those who move away from home to towns in search of Jobs are drawn from their ancestral homes. Would provide medical care e.g. 4. These variations are caused by differences in tribal customs or culture according geography, history, religion, external influence of colonialism, inter migration, political and economic structures and influences.
Microservices With Snowflake,
Florida Boat Tax Calculator,
Toddler Getting Wind Knocked Out Of Them,
Michael Genovese Wedding,
Why Guys Pull Away When They Like You,
Articles F