Family+Structure+and+Kinship

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**When a man and woman get married in the Nuer culture, the man must give bride wealth to his wife's family. Usually the bridewealth is in the form of cattle, which tend to range from 20-40 cows. They offer cattle as an exchange that the child will be considered part of the patrilineal descent. Typically, the father's name is somehow incorporated into the child's name. Polygamy marriages are common in this tribe if the man can afford to provide for multiple wives. Marriage in the Nuer tribe usually happens in steps. First is engagement, then marriage, sex, and then they will have children. Marriage is not fully official until the woman has given the man at least two children. Nuer can also get divorces if they are not happy with their marriage. If the woman only has one child, then the man might ask for a divorce. The bride wealth that was given to the wife's family has to be returned to the man's family if the marriage is not successful. Daughters and sons are of equal importance in the Nuer culture. Daughters bring in bride wealth to the family, and sons continue the patriline. Marriage among Nuer tribe members happens among two extended families, and usually are not arranged marriages. These extended families usually live around cattle camps. Also, "ghost marriages" are common and unique to the Nuer tribe. A "ghost marriage" is when the a woman's husband dies, his wife will marry his brother or close male cousin. If the wife dies, then the man will usually marry his wife's sister or close relative.** ===== === Kinship is important in the Nuer culture. The maternal kin is thought to be more loving, caring, and affectionate. Both the matrilenal and patrilineal are equally important to the Nuer tribe. Small kinship groups are common in the Nuer culture. Their kinship is specific, tracing their lineages to their ancestors. They are exogamous systems. Cattle are considered part of the Nuer's kinship too. The Nuer are in Sudan, therefore they use the Sudanese naming system. The Sudanese naming system is very descriptive. The system has a separate name for father, father's brother, as well as mother's brother. Also there are about eight or more different more descriptive words for cousin. The Sudanese terminologies for relatives don't have specific categories, but they do have class divisions, and divisions by occupation. In Sudan, where the Nuer tribe is located, the people have a very strong bond with family life. A lot of their free time and social activities involve visiting family or having family over to their houses. Family obligations always come first in the Sudan culture. ===