The impact of social and economic changes on the African family : policy and programme implications

Abstract

This apparent confusion in the concept of the family arises from the general fact that most African societies consider it bad form to discriminate against persons who have identified with them and behave for all practical purposes as members of the lineage or kin group. For certain purposes, however, the extended family becomes more sharply defined. For example, on issues of inheritance or succession to traditional office, it is usually the lineage that counts, and any "family" member who is not a direct descendant of the significant ancestor or ancestress for that purpose will be excluded. On the other hand, for funerals and weddings, for example, the kin group becomes active and each section, consanguine or affinal, may have specific roles to play.