The childless elderly in Tiriki, Kenya, and Irigwe, Nigeria: a comparative analysis of the relationship between beliefs about childlessness and the social status of the childless elderly
Sangree, W.H.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology 2(3): 201-223
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0169-3816 PMID: 24389858 DOI: 10.1007/bf00160681Document Number: 261531
Research in Tiriki, Western province, Kenya, in 1954-56, 1961, and 1982, and Irigwe, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1963-5 and 1980, reveals that these two geographically and culturally disparate tribal groups both prescribe "parenthood" as a precondition for attainment of full adult status and thus as a prerequisite for true elderhood. In Irigwe anyone of sound mind can achieve "parenthood" and therefore acceptance as an elder of high status through foster-parenthood and ritual parenthood. In Tiriki, however, foster-parenthood does not suffice to affirm one's full adult and elder statuses, making the social position of the elder with no living offspring very difficult, indeed untenable, in traditional communities.
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