Charles Wasiike,
MA Peace,
Makerere University
The theoretical
framework applied to this study is a reflective of the perspective of African
religion (or culture) as having supreme influence over communities’ social,
economic and political life as fronted by Onah, (n.d.) and Osei-Hweidie &
Abu-nimer (2009). From the theoretical framework applied to the study, the clan
is an essential social unit of an African family’s life inspired by a leader
who is carefully selected based on traditional arrangements (rituals) to
further inspire the functioning of traditional rituals under the guidance of
the Supreme Being (God), who is communicated to using the same rituals embedded
in the traditions of any given group. Clan leadership is strengthened by ritual
practices of selection and confirmation with power to guide and influence
decisions for the peace and stability of the families. The practices determine
attitudes and behaviors of community members towards one another, including
specification of gender roles and expectations. The varied gender roles and
expectations reflects division and specialization of labor, tasks, and
aspiration, which assured family of no conflict between genders as they went
about their routines, and generally guaranteed families peace and stability.
