Perspectives on Women and Family Studies in Africa: To What Extent is the 'Global Approach' Possible?

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Periodical article

Title:	Perspectives on Women and Family Studies in Africa: To What Extent is the 'Global Approach' Possible?
Author:	Puchnarewicz, Elzbieta
Year:	2000
Periodical:	Africana Bulletin
Issue:	48
Pages:	81-112
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	gender relations family research Education and Training Family Life Cultural Roles
Abstract:	The influence of globalization processes on transformation in sub-Saharan Africa is incomparably smaller than in other regions of the world. Traditional value systems and family and kinship ties provide a more certain existential support in the face of changes introduced from outside. 'Local' and 'African' points of view provide the filters through which the magnitude and character of global influence can be determined, at least in part. This is especially important in respect of such a basic structure as the family, the storeroom and transmitter of tradition and culture, and the roles of men and women. Despite the multiplicity of family organizations in sub-Saharan Africa, the model of the patriarchal family constitutes a quasi-universal pattern. The author discusses factors strengthening and weakening family ties, transformations of family in rural areas, the significance of 'familiarity' and its effect on female roles, the influence of wars and conflicts on family life, the effect of migration and the massive rate of growth of the urban agglomeration, and official family and welfare policy. Ref.