Revisiting kinship in contemporary West African societies: The case of role-relationship

Abstract

The extended family is a system that promotes cohesion, togetherness, cooperation and support amongst its members. It has been a cherished tradition in most African societies from pre-colonial era to present period. The existence of this family system accounts for the longevity of ancestral traditions and heritage which is the bedrock and sustenance of most African societies. However, with the adoption of western culture, the effects of global economic meltdown and impacts of inter and intra ethnic conflicts threatens this cherished extended family tradition.. This paper explores the role relationship in kinship in selected West African societies. It adopts an exploratory approach; drawing largely from secondary data. This study posits that role relationship in kinship is an indispensable tie among Africans especially in the western region. Also most of its tenets have become resilient in solidifying the nationhood of most African societies despite acculturation. The paper concludes that notwithstanding the relative influence of modernity and urbanisation, African societies can, through embracing modern technology maintain its extended family ties even if spread over a wide geographical area.