Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key distinction between Patrilineal and Matrilineal descent systems?
What is a key distinction between Patrilineal and Matrilineal descent systems?
In Patrilineal systems, lineage is traced through the male line, while in Matrilineal systems, it is traced through the female line.
How do inheritance practices differ between Patrilineal and Matrilineal systems?
How do inheritance practices differ between Patrilineal and Matrilineal systems?
In Patrilineal systems, inheritance typically passes from father to son, whereas in Matrilineal systems, property and titles are often inherited through the mother's line.
How do sociologists view society in relation to social institutions?
How do sociologists view society in relation to social institutions?
Sociologists view society as a social organism comprised of different parts, specifically its institutions.
What role do marriage practices play in Patrilineal descent systems?
What role do marriage practices play in Patrilineal descent systems?
Identify one example of a society outside Ghana that practices Matrilineal descent.
Identify one example of a society outside Ghana that practices Matrilineal descent.
What acronym represents the major institutions in society according to sociological analysis?
What acronym represents the major institutions in society according to sociological analysis?
What is a common residential pattern in Patrilineal societies?
What is a common residential pattern in Patrilineal societies?
Why can social institutions not be directly observed?
Why can social institutions not be directly observed?
In what way do social institutions influence individual behavior?
In what way do social institutions influence individual behavior?
In what way does membership recruitment differ in Matrilineal systems?
In what way does membership recruitment differ in Matrilineal systems?
What role do social institutions play in maintaining societal order?
What role do social institutions play in maintaining societal order?
Discuss how succession is generally managed in Matrilineal societies.
Discuss how succession is generally managed in Matrilineal societies.
How do social institutions contribute to social control?
How do social institutions contribute to social control?
What are some essential features of the Patrilineal descent system?
What are some essential features of the Patrilineal descent system?
In what ways do social institutions provide social identity?
In what ways do social institutions provide social identity?
What societal status is associated with women who become female husbands among the Igbo?
What societal status is associated with women who become female husbands among the Igbo?
What do social institutions specify in relation to individuals and groups?
What do social institutions specify in relation to individuals and groups?
How does the female husband influence lineage among her children?
How does the female husband influence lineage among her children?
What role do female husbands play in ceremonies compared to their male counterparts?
What role do female husbands play in ceremonies compared to their male counterparts?
Why might older women become female husbands among the Nandi of Western Kenya?
Why might older women become female husbands among the Nandi of Western Kenya?
What is one solution to infertility addressed in the societies mentioned?
What is one solution to infertility addressed in the societies mentioned?
Who are the prime candidates to become female husbands, particularly in the context of social stature?
Who are the prime candidates to become female husbands, particularly in the context of social stature?
In some cultures, what role does a female husband fulfill in relation to her wife’s children?
In some cultures, what role does a female husband fulfill in relation to her wife’s children?
What unique perspective is given to females who marry other women in terms of societal roles?
What unique perspective is given to females who marry other women in terms of societal roles?
What are the main sources of revenue for an Akan chief?
What are the main sources of revenue for an Akan chief?
How does the Akan political system ensure that decisions are made collectively?
How does the Akan political system ensure that decisions are made collectively?
What is the significance of the Yaana in the Dagbon political organization?
What is the significance of the Yaana in the Dagbon political organization?
Describe the hierarchical structure of the Dagbon political organization.
Describe the hierarchical structure of the Dagbon political organization.
In what way is the Akan political system centralized?
In what way is the Akan political system centralized?
What role do 'female sons' play in their families according to the content?
What role do 'female sons' play in their families according to the content?
How does customary marriage in Ghana differ from Islamic marriage in terms of polygyny?
How does customary marriage in Ghana differ from Islamic marriage in terms of polygyny?
What symbolic purposes does marriage payment serve in Ghanaian culture?
What symbolic purposes does marriage payment serve in Ghanaian culture?
What legal implications does marriage payment have regarding children born from the marriage?
What legal implications does marriage payment have regarding children born from the marriage?
In what way does 'Rights-in-Genetricem' affect the status of children in a marriage?
In what way does 'Rights-in-Genetricem' affect the status of children in a marriage?
What obligations does 'Right-in-Uxorem' impose on the wife once marriage payment is completed?
What obligations does 'Right-in-Uxorem' impose on the wife once marriage payment is completed?
How do local differences impact marriage payment practices in Ghana?
How do local differences impact marriage payment practices in Ghana?
What is the significance of marriage payment for the groom in the context provided?
What is the significance of marriage payment for the groom in the context provided?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
Social Institutions and Social Structure
- Sociologists view society as a complex system made up of various institutions.
- PREMEH institutions are key components forming the social structure of society.
- Social institutions are intangible and shape human thoughts and behaviors.
Development and Role of Social Institutions
- Institutions evolve and are influenced by daily social interactions.
- Educational institutions arise through interactions between students and lecturers.
- Social institutions are essential for the survival of society, acting as functional prerequisites.
Functions of Social Institutions
- Provide order and guidance for individuals' pursuits.
- Serve as sources of social control, legitimizing societal roles and statuses.
- Foster social identity by promoting collective behaviors and mindsets.
- Define relationships and outline rights and responsibilities among individuals and groups.
Comparative Descent Systems: Patrilineal and Matrilineal
- Recognized as uni-linear descent systems, tracing kinship through one gender.
- Patrilineal descent focuses on male lineage; matrilineal on female lineage.
- Includes membership, inheritance, succession, and residential patterns.
Female Husbands in Matrilineal Societies
- High-status women, particularly among the Igbo, can take female spouses, elevating their societal standing.
- Female husbands gain power, assumed a paternal role, and have authority among their peers.
- Children from these unions belong to the matrilineal descent, inheriting through their mother's lineage.
Social Dimensions of Female Husbands
- Addresses infertility by permitting childless women or widows to have heirs through female marriages.
- "Female sons" can inherit and lead families, expanding familial lines.
Marital Types and Traditions in Ghana
- Three primary types of marriage recognized: Customary, Islamic, and Marriage by Ordinance (Christian).
- Each marriage type has unique practices regarding polygyny and legal recognition.
Marriage Payment Practices
- Involves the exchange of items or symbolic gestures between kin groups, varying by society.
- Represents acknowledgment of the bride's family investment and the groom's commitment.
Legal Implications of Marriage Payment
- Legalizes the status of children born from the marriage, regardless of biological parentage.
- Secures the husband’s rights over reproduction and domestic duties of his wife.
Political Organizations in Akan Society
- Chiefs derive revenue from various sources; their role involves maintaining connections with ancestors.
- Although appearing autocratic, chief authority requires checks by counsellors and queen mothers.
Dagbon Political Organization
- Features a centralized system with clear authority and administrative structures.
- The Yaana is the king, with Yendi as the capital; hierarchy is evident in chiefdoms and divisions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
