First headier: The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa University
College Of Education and Behavioral
Studies School of Psychology
Individual Assignment – The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia.
Prepared By: Mentsenot Yemere (GSR/2047/15)
Summited To: Assefa Berihun, PhD
Summation date: March 29, 2023
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Family in Ethiopia Context ........................................................................................................ 3
Traditional Family Values in Ethiopia:...................................................................................... 4
The Importance of Preserving Traditional Family Values in Ethiopia: ..................................... 6
Summary .................................................................................................................................... 6
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
Introduction
Ethiopia is a growing nation in Africa with a fascinating history and vibrant customs. The
country has been marked by persistent economic, political and social transitions over the past
century. It is widely known for its traditional family values, which have served as the social
foundation of society in Ethiopia for centuries. Family has always been the central institution
in Ethiopian society and although its structure and dynamics have been largely determined by
the environmental conditions and sociocultural context, it remains a stable and fundamental
element of the social system. Underlying traditional family values are embedded in Ethiopian
culture and are important for defining relationships between members within the family unit.
They provide guidance for behavior towards each other, which strengthens an environment of
understanding within the family as well as laying down a platform for improved
communication. Therefore, it is important that these traditional values are preserved for future
generations to maintain a close-knit family unit.
This paper seeks to provide an overview of traditional family values in Ethiopia and outline
the importance of preserving them. Additionally, it will examine current challenges that
compromise those values as well as potential responses from government and communities
to combat those challenges.
Family in Ethiopia Context
Traditional Ethiopian families can be defined as those that adhere to traditional values such as
faithfulness, mutual respect, hard work and honesty. We can see Family collectives in three
contexts, namely in extended families, in households and in the intersection of the two, as well
as in kinship and social networks of support. To begin with, households and families are
contentious terms when discussing the internal functioning of Ethiopian society, largely
because societies exist in fluid ways and family relationships are undergoing constant change
in their forms and meanings (Ansell & Van Blerk 2004). Although families and households
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
have been used interchangeably, the former are task-oriented residence units whereas the latter
are conceived of as kinships groupings with continuing legal, genetic and/or emotional
relationships (Boyden 2006). In other words, whereas “households” are units of economic
viability consisting of people who courtsider, and usually pool their incomes and eat at least
one meal together when they are at home ((Boyden, 2003)), “extended families” are those
which are bonded through blood or kinship ties but whose members may – and often do live
apart (Young & Ansell 2003). Extended families may also be split among several households,
with membership constantly changing through, for example, individual migration (Ansell &
Van Blerk 2004). Although families vary greatly in form and size, and while nuclear families
exist in Ethiopia, extended families are the predominant form in most parts of the country. As
Boyden (1994: 45) highlights in the wider context of Africa, traditionally, a woman lives with
her husband’s family after marriage and their children become the responsibility of the entire
family group. The extended family, in which sons live together with their wives and children
in one compound, is less common today. However, solidarity with kin and family ties
continues, in forms adapted to new social and economic circumstances.
Traditional Family Values in Ethiopia:
Traditional family values are embedded in both how families interact within their own
members and how they relate with others outside the family circle. In Ethiopia, traditional
moral values are based on principles set forth in religion and legend passed down through
generations as part of the tradition. The most ancient forms of traditional family values include
respect for elders and being mindful to not hurt any person’s feelings. Other examples include
tolerance between different religions or belief systems, references to ideas such as solidarity or
harmony among people or helping one another without expecting something back. While it is
acknowledged that these core principles have changed over time due to migration patterns and
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
modernization efforts within certain regions of Ethiopia, many families still live faithfully by
these same traditions today.
The traditional family values of Ethiopia can be broken down into four main categories:
valuing the elderly and respecting one’s elders; taking responsibility for family members;
living cooperatively; and relying on God. Valuing the elderly is an especially important value
in Ethiopia. Respect for elders is reflected in language where title names are reserved for those
who have achieved respect because of their age or status within the family or community, such
as “አአአ” (father) or “አአአ” (mother). Many Ethiopians believe that respect towards elders
should be demonstrated through physical signs such as kneeling or bowing. Taking
responsibility for other family members is another key value in Ethiopia; it entails helping
provide financial resources if needed, looking after young children, assisting them with their
schooling and health care needs, advocating on their behalf against discrimination, and
counseling them during times of strife. Living cooperatively emphasizes connectedness among
extended relatives across generations by purposely excluding any feelings of preference over
one individual over another. Foremost among all these traditional family values is relying on
God which includes emphasizing prayer life and participating in weekly worship services at
churches and synagogues where ancient spiritual songs are sung while bringing communal
peace to everyone involved.
Traditional family values help foster a sense of trust among Ethiopians by reinforcing common
beliefs about how relationships should be conducted between two people or amongst extended
families. This trust has enabled many Ethiopians to work together peacefully in times of
economic hardship and political unrest knowing that each person fulfills his part toward
achieving collective success regardless personal differences non with standing. The
preservation of these values is critical to maintain a harmonious relationship between members
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
from different age groups who are often separated geographically yet remain connected
spiritually through familial ties based on shared beliefs.
The Importance of Preserving Traditional Family Values in Ethiopia:
Preserving traditional family values is crucial to ensure continued social stability and progress
for future generations within Ethiopia’s evolving society. These core principles form a
foundation for sound decision making both at level of individual households as well as on a
collective basis when considering potential new government policy initiatives. Maintaining this
continuity encourages strong relationships between families within close geographical regions
which can facilitate collaborative problem-solving efforts across multiple generations.
Furthermore, living life according to these moral sentiments promotes respect for authority
figures such as elders or prominent leaders within the community. Lastly, upholding these
traditional practices helps sustain collective identity thereby discouraging any emerging antisocial behavior that could have severe repercussions down the road
Summary
This paper discussed the historical importance of traditional Ethiopian family values while
recognizing some current challenges posed by acculturation programs from outside countries.
This review identified shortcomings related to potential negligence by government authorities
concerning ongoing preservation efforts at risk of displacement due to foreign influence. A
deeper understanding need be fostered among citizens about why each core attribute must
remain relevant despite transitionary times along with actions taken proactively deflect any
infringements due to lack of proper communication channels or inadequate institutions
responsible protecting ancestral heritage beliefs.
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The significance of preserving traditional family values in Ethiopia
Reference
Abebe, T. (2008). The Ethiopian” family collective” and child agency. Barn–forskning om
barn og barndom i Norden, 26(3).
Ansell, N., & Van Blerk, L. (2004). Children's migration as a household/family strategy:
coping with AIDS in Lesotho and Malawi. Journal of Southern African Studies, 30(3),
673-690.
Boyden, J. ( 2006). Young Lives Project: concepts and analytical framework. .
Boyden, J. F. (1994). Families. Celebration and hope in the world of change. published in
collaboration with UNESCO. .
Boyden, J. F. (2003). Celebration and hope in the world of change, published in collaboration
with UNESCO. . The Professional Geographer 55 (4): 464–76.
Ethiopia culture profile. (2014, October 6). Lauren E. Todd Community Arts Page.
http://ltodd1.weebly.com/25/post/2014/10/ethiopia-culture-profile.html
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