Chad, Republic of

Kinship, Ethnic, and Religious Identities

Clan and kinship are important political and social determinants. Many ethnic groups, including the Sara, are patrilineal. Chad encompasses part of the Sahara Desert, where nomadic peoples gather in temporary camps for socialization as well as economic survival. Many settled villages consist of extended families known as kashimbet, which are comprised of elder males and their wives and descendants. Clan affiliations are less important among urban residents. In both urban and rural areas, kin are important sources of ethnic and religious training, mutual aid, and socialization. Family and community duties coexist with rather than subvert a person's individual agency.

Chad's ethnic diversity threatened the process of national identity formation and resulted in periods of violent rebellion by groups seeking political power. Chad's society has been disrupted by these civil conflicts, including Chad's involvement in regional conflicts such as the situation in Darfur.

The conflicts have disrupted family life and left many orphans and refugees. Membership in rebel groups was a form of social advancement, and many young men no longer active in rebel groups continue the pattern of violence through banditry networks. Once in power, informal, personal, political, and social networks involving the distribution of political offices and favors are key to remaining there. There are several active national human rights organizations, but few international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or government social programs, increasing the importance of social support networks.

Religion and ethnicity are often an interconnected part of social identity. Major religions include Christianity, Islam, and indigenous belief systems. Many people blend traditional practices with their Christian or Muslim faith. Popular social ceremonies with a religious basis include coming-of-age rituals that feature circumcision and initiation ceremonies in which adolescents receive instruction on their ethnic and religious heritage and social roles. These are more common for men than for women in Chad. Other forms of social religious expression include ancestor veneration, fertility rituals, and harvest festivals. Missionary groups and religious [Page 114]organizations provide social outlets as well as education and support.

Occupation is another important part of a person's social identity. Many traditional ethnic societies featured social castes based on certain occupations. Some modern economic opportunities, such as the building of an oil pipeline, have disrupted traditional social and kin networks through the necessity of migration for work and the loss of agricultural land. An emerging modern elite class includes large landowners, commercial traders, and government workers. They distinguish themselves socially through their dress, housing, and leisure activities. The small urban working class and a small group of urban female traders have banded together for lobbying and support. There is also an active national labor union. Chad contains a significant informal economic network as well.

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