Mali

The Republic of Mali is located in west Africa. Malians form their social identity largely through ethnic, kinship, and religious affiliations, which carry with them social obligations and support networks. Largely informal economic and social welfare systems are in place. Malian culture is communal, with visiting, festivals, ceremonies, arts, and sports providing key social outlets.

Malian society is comprised of a variety of geographic areas, ethnic groups, and regional cultures, with the most dominant group being the Mande people. Ethnicity is a strong social determinant, although ethnic relations have been relatively peaceful and ethnic group boundaries can be fluid. Peaceful relations are also maintained through a social practice known as sinankuya or cousinage, in which families or ethnic groups establish a joking relationship as a friendly way to settle grievances. A notable exception has been the political and social tension between the Malian government and the northern Tuareg people, which has stabilized since a 1994 peace agreement. There is also a national culture focused on cultural tradition and the struggle for independence.

Lineage, clan, kin, and family further define social identity within ethnic groupings. Most groups are patrilineal and live in extended family units, sometimes polygynous and often in household clusters within rural villages. A communal lifestyle includes agricultural work in collective fields; the socialization of children; and ceremonies to mark events such as births, baby naming, circumcision, coming of age, and death. Women and urban migrants, as well as expatriates, maintain kinship ties and fulfill their social support obligations through money and gifts. Religion is another key aspect of Malian social life and identity. Islam is the dominant religion, while Christianity and indigenous religions also have followers. Many indigenous religions feature secret societies whose knowledge is passed on to initiated members.

In 2007, community learning and information centers (CLICs) gave 13 rural areas in Mali access to information technologies.

[Page 521]Determination of social status through professional identity has a long tradition in Malian society, although these social groupings have become more permeable in modern times. Most Malians work within the informal economy, which relies on social networks. Women and women's groups have utilized family and neighborhood social networks as well as aid from local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to participate in trade and establish other microbusinesses. Most cities and villages feature open-air markets where people socialize and barter for goods. Informal smuggling networks, such as drug trafficking from Latin America to Europe, as well as an al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist network in the Sahara, are also active.

Most Malians live in rural areas, although urban cities such as the capital of Bamako have a long history. Traditional Malian society has been characterized by social stratification, and there is a growing class of Westernized elite politicians and intellectuals. Gift giving and hospitality to all visitors are key components of social networks and national identity. Malians follow prescribed social rules for greetings and gifts based on a person's status, education, age, and relationship to the other person. Informal rural and urban social networks and NGOs provide key economic, social, and healthcare support, as limited national funding and lack of access limit the reach of the state welfare system. These organizations include women, student, and labor organizations. Some of the sought social changes, such as the abolition of polygyny, have had mixed success due to social resistance.

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