Features of a traditional African family

  1. It comprises, the living members of the family e.g. parents, children, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, etc
  2. It comprises the living death
  3. It comprises the yet-to-be-born
  4. It comprises several nuclear families that form a clan
  5. The clan has final authority on matters of marriage, security, and observance of customs
  6. It is a social-religious unit in which all rituals are undertaken by its members
  7. It has such functions as promoting a sense of belonging to its members, stability in marriage/unity/ responsibility/ impacting values e.t.c
  8. It is polygamous/ many wives/ children
  9. Its main function is procreation for the perpetuation of the family lineage
  10. It is complete with children
  11. It is a divine institution which is effected by marriage/ ordained by God
  12. The husband is the head of the family
  13. All members adhere to the rules and regulations of the family
  14. Elders are highly respected