Revisiting kinship in contemporary West African societies: The case of role-relationship

The extended family is a system that promotes cohesion, togetherness, cooperation and support amongst its members. It has been cherished tradition in most African societies from pre-colonial era to present period. The existence of this accounts for the longevity ancestral traditions heritage which bedrock sustenance societies. However, with adoption western culture, effects global economic meltdown impacts inter intra ethnic conflicts threatens tradition.. This paper explores role relationship kinship selected West adopts an exploratory approach; drawing largely secondary data. study posits indispensable tie among Africans especially region. Also tenets have become resilient solidifying nationhood despite acculturation. concludes notwithstanding relative influence modernity urbanisation, can, through embracing modern technology maintain ties even if spread over wide geographical area.