Send message to Author

Paper short abstract:

In current Africa, we can see singlization due to different factors. For example, what are the implications of the legalization of polygyny, as represented in Kenya? Based on ethnographic data, I would like to describe how traditional patrilineal African societies have structurally changed.

Paper long abstract:

In recent years, Eastern Africa has seen a marked change in women's sexuality and a trend towards single motherhood, along with a rise in education levels. The effects of this singleness are manifold. First, changes in sexuality have led to a further urban exodus of single women from rural areas, undermining the very foundations of traditional patrilineal social structures in rural areas. This situation also results in a serious problem that destabilises the legitimacy of single women's children. Second, informal polygyny is observed in urban areas. This is a backlash situation regarding the institution of marriage and attitudes, where polygyny is legislated in the name of protecting the second wife and below, with a predominant male. In other words, the social negotiation of reproduction is taking place in the face of the structural singleness of women and the backlash against legal patriarchy. The increase in 'matrifocal' families with single women at the centre is noted as an aspect of change in patrilineal African societies.

First, this paper examines how notions of sexuality are changing in the context of increasing education inequalities in traditional and modern social environments. Then it highlights how the representations of city elite women and poor rural women are forming 'cohabiting families' based on mutually complementary relationships. At the end, I expect to discuss with audience on what direction African societies will take given the current condition of high early pregnancy and singleness rates.