Familial Roles, Responsibilities, and Solidarity in Diverse African Societies

Abstract

Abstract Familial roles and responsibilities, household structures, and support networks are changing in many African societies in response to global and local processes. These include the economic restructuring, chronic poverty, urbanization and rapid technological change, chronic health emergencies, and migration that is affecting many African societies. This chapter explores contrasting contexts affected by such challenges in East and West Africa by focusing on the disruptions and changes in familial responsibilities caused by the death of a family member. Women’s and children’s crucial roles in caring for sick, disabled, and older family members and orphaned siblings are increasingly recognized in the HIV epidemic in East Africa. Maternal kin, particularly grandmothers, have filled in gaps, providing care for orphaned children that was conventionally provided by paternal kin in patrilineal societies. The chapter reflects on the policy implications of these changes in terms of social protection and the care of vulnerable family members.