Benin

The Republic of Benin, located in West Africa, contains a diversity of ethnic groups. Beninese society is communal and open in nature. The key determinants of Beninese social identity and networking are ethnic and kin groups, rural or urban residence, and religious affiliation. Social and informal economic networks are highly valued tools for survival. The influence of Western culture has served as a social bond for the urban young, but Internet access is still largely unaffordable or unavailable.

Beninese form social identities and networks based on the geographic division between the northern and southern portions of the country, and by ethnic groups, each of which maintains its own social and cultural traditions, even in areas with mixed settlement patterns. The largest ethnic group is the Fon (also known as the Dahomeyans). Many Beninese emphasize ethnic over national identity, but a national identity does also exist, even among expatriates. Beninese in Nigeria, for example, formed the Benin Social Circle, composed of numerous clubs such as the Benin Forum.

Ethnic identification, both traditionally and in modern times, can be based on a number of different factors, including language, ancestry and kinship ties, religious affiliation, and geographic location. People from outside a village's dominant ethnic group, such as political or conflict refugees, are often brought into the group and its social networks through an initiation ceremony. The main religions practiced in Benin are Christianity, Islam, and Vodun and other indigenous belief systems. Indigenous religious beliefs strengthen kinship ties through the veneration of ancestors, who many believe remain within their communities after death. Villages also maintain ties through arts, music, and dance. Oral [Page 72]storytellers known as griots are common in West African society and serve an important social function through the maintenance of a village's or group's history.

The importance of ethnic and kinship ties are further strengthened through the communal nature of Beninese society, where hospitality and socialization are key cultural traits. The Beninese people are obligated to offer social and economic support to all those linked through ancestry and clan, no matter the geographic distance between them. The maintenance of ethnic social networks in rural areas is especially important as chiefs often control land access, and those without connections to a chief are often treated as outsiders. Many villages also maintain various types of mutual aid societies, such as burial societies where members contribute regular dues to cover the expense of their funeral and hosting of mourners.

Most Beninese people live within an informal economic network. Although Benin's economy is largely based on agriculture, trade has also played a key role throughout its history. While the few urban centers have modern stores, most Beninese still shop and socialize in traditional open-air markets. Many rural residents belong to rotating credit societies known as tontines. They not only provide financial assistance but also a form of social insurance. For many Beninese people, one's occupation is a key determinant of one's social identity. For example, the internal social cohesion of Fulani (Peul) herders is maintained through their nomadic lifestyle. This social network is further strengthened through the fact that many Fulani serve in the military. Likewise, many Yoruba and Lebanese families are traders and shopkeepers.

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