Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
e1da5b6b50cc62 Search
Powered by JRank
Bottom of Form
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures » Africa / Middle East » Igbo
Although females are brought up looking forward to this dual role, it would be
misleading to think that the major roles of women in Igbo society are as wife and
mother, since Igbo women are prominent in public life as an organized force in both
economics and politics. A significant part of a young girl's or a young man's childhood
training is geared toward their future roles in the family and as useful and responsible
citizens. Women are fully involved in matchmaking and usually participate directly or
indirectly in the actual negotiations of marital arrangements for their sons or their
daughters, in cooperation with the male members of the families concerned. Women
have powerful and active behind-the-scene roles in seeking out the girls they would like
their sons to marry. The approval of the mother is vital because the young bride is
generally expected to live with her mother-in-law and to serve her for the first few
months of marriage, until the new couple can set up an independent household and
farmland.
Inheritance. The bulk of inheritance allotments are granted to the eldest son, who, at
the time of the inheritance, becomes responsible for the welfare of his younger siblings.
If the eldest son is a minor at the time of his father's death, a paternal uncle will take
charge of the property and provide for the deceased brother's family. There is also
marriage by inheritance, or levirate—a widow may become the wife of her brother-in-
law. In some localities, widows may become the wives of the deceased father's sons by
another wife.