Unit Two: Studying Africa through the Social Studies

Module Eight: Culture and Society in Africa

Student's Edition

Overview:

This module looks at various aspects of culture and society. In the past, you may have found that these terms are used to mean many different things, so it may be difficult for you to clearly define what one means by "culture" or "society." Typically, these terms are used to talk about the way of life of a group of people. While it is true that a particular group of people may share some things in common, we should also be cautioned that using these concepts can lead to stereotypes and overgeneralizations about a group of people. This may be easier to understand as you think about your own culture and society. For example, is it correct to say that all Americans talk, think, or act the same? Thus, contained within labels such as "American culture and society," is a great deal of diversity. The same diversity is true of people living in Africa. This module will touch on several selected aspects of culture and society, while emphasizing that these are only a few of many parts of life that can fit under the topic of culture and society.

Two important themes are emphasized in this module. First, Africa has great cultural diversity related to a history of global connections with cultures inside and outside of Africa. African culture is not static, timeless, and merely traditional. This lesson should give a sense of the vitality, diversity, and dynamism of African cultures, which vary from region to region, among different ethnic groups, genders, language speakers, ages, and classes in Africa.

Second, we want to question the concepts of culture and society to encourage you to consider how certain people, activities, practices, and values come to be recognized as a certain culture or society. Perhaps these concepts are little more than a way of organizing information about people different from us. You probably know from your own experiences that often the way that we describe other people is not the same as how those people would describe themselves. We should be careful not to generalize and stereotype others, and not to assume that they are always so very different than we are. By noting the differences and similarities among African cultures and American culture(s), you should begin to think about how we define culture, and more specifically, the meaning of "American culture(s)": What is it? How do people participate in it? Is there one American culture, or many American cultures?

The module is divided up into three activities and several homework options. The first activity is an overview of many different aspects of what we might call "African culture" as expressed in various regions of the continent. The second activity focuses on languages in Africa and explores the relationship between language and culture. The third activity examines family and community structures, another component of culture. Because this category is so diverse, two specific stories are given rather than trying to generalize about family and community. Finally, homework is suggested to reinforce what was learned in the lesson and encourage reflection on your own culture and society.

Activities 1-4

1. Cultural Diversity in Africa - Engage
2. Languages of Africa - Explore
3. Families and Communities in Africa - Expand
4. Homework - Evaluate