Ch.+18++Kinship+masculinity+femininity

Igbo society places strong emphasis on lineage kinship systems, particularly the patrilineage, which is based around the male descendant line. Some Igbo groups however, have a matrilineal descent system, which is based around the female line, whereas some groups have a double descent system. Generally, the Igbo tribe is centered around the male's line. The Igbo valued senority by birth, so the oldest man is usually the head. Also, polygamy is practiced daily and it is viewed ideal for men. Having multiple wives show wealth and power.  The polygonous family was made up of a husband, all his wives, and all their children. The wives are also ranked by the order they are married. As stated before the idea of senority by birth was important. Therefore the first son and daughter, no matter what the mothers, were given special status.

Beyond that is the extended family, which included the sons in the family, their parents, and all the unmarried daughters. It was possible for the extended family to be five or anywhere to thirty members. Ideally, all of the members of the extended family would live in the same compund.

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To find more intersting facts about the Igbo people, follow this link. []

"Igbo Government and Social Structure." //Queen's University Belfast | Home//. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. []. "Kinship - Igbo." //Countries and Their Cultures//. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. []. "South Africa’s Zuma Defends Polygamy." //US Africa Online//. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. .**
 * Works Cited**