Middle Class African Marriage: A Family Study of Ghanaian Senior Civil Servants

Migration, paid employment, and urban living have caused changes in domestic economies, decision-making in households, and the sexual division of labor and power in the 1970s among peoples of the third world. This book provides a detailed account of such changes by a writer who has lived the life of the urban educated Akan of Southern Ghana. It focuses on people from an ethnic area practicing matrilineal descent and inheritance, where women and men have traditionally both worked in agriculture. The study is particularly interesting because it focuses on people from an ethnic area practicing matrilineal descent and inheritance, where women and men have traditionally both worked in agriculture. The book was also a significant contribution to the comparative sociology of the family at the time, providing an exercise in methodology to document and compare two major aspects of change in conjugal family relationships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the 1970s, a significant shift occurred in the economic, decision-making, and social dynamics of households across the third world due to migration, paid employment, and urban living. This transformation was particularly pronounced in regions previously under colonial domination, where European cultural norms and institutions had a profound influence. This book, originally published in 1974 as "Marriage Among a Matrilineal Elite," offers a detailed account of these changes by a writer who has firsthand experience of the urban educated Akan of Southern Ghana. The study is particularly captivating as it focuses on individuals from an ethnic group practicing matrilineal descent and inheritance, where women and men have traditionally shared responsibilities in agriculture. This unique cultural context provides a rich backdrop for examining the dynamics of marriage, gender roles, and power within the Akan community.

The book's significance lies in its exploration of the ways in which migration, paid employment, and urban living have impacted the traditional roles and responsibilities of women and men within the Akan community. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that these changes have brought about, as well as the strategies employed by individuals and families to navigate them. One of the key findings of the study is that Akan women have traditionally been responsible for agricultural work and have held important political offices. However, with the advent of migration and urbanization, women have increasingly entered the workforce and assumed leadership roles in various sectors. This shift has led to a greater sense of autonomy and empowerment for women within the community.

At the same time, the book also highlights the potential risks and challenges that women face in these changing circumstances. For example, women who migrate to urban areas may face discrimination and exploitation in the workplace, and may struggle to maintain their traditional roles and responsibilities at home. Additionally, women who rely on their male relatives for economic support may find themselves vulnerable to economic insecurity and dependence.

The book's methodology is noteworthy, as it employs a comparative approach to examine the family dynamics of different ethnic groups. The author seeks to develop new methods for documenting and analyzing family data, which can be applied to other communities and cultures. This approach contributes to the growing field of comparative sociology and provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between social change, cultural norms, and family structures.

In conclusion, this book offers a unique and insightful perspective on the impact of migration, paid employment, and urban living on the Akan community of Southern Ghana. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which social change, cultural norms, and family structures interact and shape individual and family experiences. The study's methodology and comparative approach make it a valuable contribution to the field of comparative sociology and provide a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in understanding the dynamics of family and social change in diverse contexts.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032513225