INSTITUTION

Every system has a function to perform and the functions are performed by the parts or units of the system. The unit of part of a system of society is usually called an institution or a structure Without institutions a system cannot deliver on its functions. Features of Africa Culture refers to the way of life of a society. It is not only singing and drumming, it includes both material and non-material things Greetings, family structure, marriage, circumcision, tribal mark, language, dress, food, occupation, music, religion, way of thinking, festival, rites, customs, chieftaincy, funeral etc Family System Family/kinship is the basic unit of African society.It is a network of people related by blood, marriage and adoption. Nuclear family- father, wife and immediate offspring Extended family- nuclear plus many others

Kinship Kinship refers to social relationships derived from consanguinity, marriage and adoption.It forms the basis for many organizations and institutions.It determines the rules, duties and obligations of individuals and groups in all aspects of African life. African Family System Consanguine relationships raised the issue of descent or ancestry and how this is determined through generations. Descent may be seen as the process by which direct genealogical connection is traced between and individual and offspring. It determines such matters as inheritance, identity, the identity of a child born into a marriage

Features of Africans Descent can be matrilineal and patrilineal, unilineal, duolineal or bilineal and bilateral.Patrilineal: Traces descent through ones fathers or other male ancestors (Ewes, Luo &Luhya of Kenya).Matrilineal: descent through male relative on ones mothers side (Akan).Duolineal or bilineal: both parents Features of Africans Lines of descent are called lineages and many African groups have been known to trace their lineage to a common ancestor.Two or more lineages constitute a clan. The second type of kinship is based on marriage. Marriage is a relationship between two extended families. Marriage An institution of prime importance in all human societies. It is a vital societal tradition in the African society. Marriage is intimately linked to reproduction, the very survival of communities. Considered as a relationship between two extended families rather than just between a man and a woman. Traditionally marriage was arranged by family elders. Bride price, bride service, dowry, elopement Types of marriages in Ghana Customary, Religious and Ordinance. Every type of marriage contracted in Ghana begins with the performance of customary rites. Customary marriage allows for more than one wife and can be registered.Customary rites vary from society to society, but the approval of parents on both sides is considered an important condition. Religious marriage Religious marriage may be supplementary to customary marriage.The marriage is consecrated by a Minister or Imam. Islamic marriage allows for four wives. It is governed by the marriage of Mohammedans ordinance (Cap, 129). Marriage under the Ordinance Marriage under the ordinance is registered at the registrar generals department or the district assemblies or court of law.Marriage under the ordinance is otherwise known as civil marriage and it is governed by the marriage ordinance (Cap. 127). Bride-wealth Expression of gratitude by the grooms family to the brides family for having raised a wife for the groom. It compensates the womans family for the loss of her labor as she leaves her own family to join her new husbands It guarantees the

rights of the man and his family group over the children to be bornIt serves to strengthen the marriage and the relationship between the two families and the two communities involved. Effects of High Bride-wealth High cost of bride-wealth discourages young men to marry properly.Some men also borrow to pay only to find themselves living in debt.This may lead to quarrel in the marriage especially when the wife is barren.High bride-wealth may make it impossible for some women to marry the men they love. Marriage based on number of spouse Polygamy is found in almost all African societies, Except Tunisia. Polyandry is a situation a woman has more than one husband, does not exist in Africa.Polygyny a man having more than one wife, Nigeria 30%, Ghana, Togo Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania 20.4 to 36%. Polygyny is considered aberration in Western countries. There are biblical supports for Polygyny. Modern Islam allows up to four wives. Reasons Social stability manage surplus women because there were more women than men (initiation rites, wars, infant mortality ratio).Labour force- more wives and children needed to work on farm.Insurance against high infant mortality ratemore wives for more children.Take care of surviving widow certain period. Reasons Insurance against barrenness- Tswana and Zulu people provide younger sister of the barren wife to procreate.Difficulty in returning the bride wealth.Prestige and source of support- politicians, traditional leaders.Prohibition of sexual activity during certain period. Other Forms of Marriage Surrogate or woman to woman marriage (Found among the Zulu, Nuer of Sudan and Akamba of Kenya).Sororate , a man marries his wife sister.Levirate:man marrying his brothers widow.Ghost marriage (Nuer people of Sudan & Zulus). Trial marriages Cohabitation Betrothal Notable Rites

Naming Ceremony Circumcision and FGM Puberty Initiation Tattooing

Role of the family Socialization Legitimate procreation Economic function Law and order Security and comfort Sense of belonging Traditional beliefs Belief in (High) God Belief in Small god Belief in Ancestors Belief in Witchcraft Belief in magic and sorcery Belief in Divination Belief in Festivals Twins Cherished Values Hard work Respect for elders Trust/ Honesty High morals Reciprocity