Abstract: | The article is concerned with how the development of modem markets has eroded the socio-economic values of Abamarachi during the 20th century. Before the modern markets, it is argued, there existed traditional economic patterns which were described as small in size with underdeveloped technology and low productivity - and extremely dependent on the environment. The absence of an elaborate technological know-how and, therefore, little innovation between generations called for a network of kinship ties that provided almost the whole framework of social action. Hence the 'Omukhaye' - the queen-mother who took care of the entire social and economic fabric of the extended family. This form of arrangement gradually broke down under the money and market-oriented economic order. The erosion of traditional values and disintegration of family ties, as exemplified by the decline of the role of 'Omukhaye', became more and more evident. In due course, this extreme dependence on modern market exchange also weakened the very root of family ties. Ref., sum. in French p. 188-189. |