Central African Republic

Kinship Ties and Social Structure

Most rural village populations have traditionally been composed of the patrilineal descendants of a single lineage or clan. Kinship ties are maintained even among those who have left for urban areas. Bush-taxis or transport trucks shuttle kin back home for visits or to attend ceremonies or funerals. The society is communal, with open village space for daily social interactions, and the desire for privacy is viewed with suspicion. Traditional society emphasized egalitarianism, as power and wealth were shared among the entire kin network.

Both residence and occupation are emerging as key determinants of social class in the modern Central African Republic, although the egalitarian ideal still holds sway. Urbanization has given rise to a new urban elite based on education, wealth, and political power as well as a largely Muslim middle class. Many elites speak French and imitate French culture to set them apart. Key social problems include the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is creating a large population of AIDS orphans, who are alone or only have elderly relatives to care for them at home.

Common religions include Christianity, Protestantism, Islam, and traditional indigenous religions. Urban religious social expressions include parades and the wearing of special distinguishing clothing. Indigenous religions began declining in the mid-20th century, but traditional religious practices remain, and many residents combine elements of various religions. One key traditional practice is the coming-of-age ceremony, in which boys and girls are initiated into adulthood after spending a period of isolation from village life. During isolation, they receive training on their group's spiritual beliefs and their social responsibilities. Circumcision traditionally accompanied these rites of passage, although most boys are now circumcised in a medical setting, and controversial female circumcision (genital mutilation) is on the decline. Death rites also remain important social events, featuring days of mourning, dancing, and feasting. Ancestor worship is another common indigenous religious practice.

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