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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Changing webs of kinship: spotlights on West Africa
Authors:Alber, ErdmuteISNI
Häberlein, Tabea
Martin, JeannettISNI
Year:2010
Periodical:Afrika Spectrum (ISSN 0002-0397)
Volume:45
Issue:3
Pages:43-67
Language:English
Geographic terms:Benin
Togo
Subjects:kinship
social change
External link:https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/view/376
Abstract:Changes in kinship relations are part of broad social change in all African societies. This article highlights trends and characteristics of changing kinship relations in West Africa. The analysis focuses on the twentieth century, which was shaped by colonial conquest and profound societal transformations like the political independence of African colonies. In analysing three important kinship relations - parent-child relations, marriage relations, and care for the elderly - the article depicts the trends and conditions of historical change of these relationships. It also shows whether and how these changes are accompanied by conflict, and how people refer to the different ways of dealing with those conflicts. The article is based on empirical data from three thematically intertwined research projects on family change in Africa carried out by the University of Bayreuth, notably on parenthood in the Borgu region of Benin, marriage relations in Lokpa region, Benin, and care for the aged in Kabiye region, northeast Togo. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and German. [Journal abstract]
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