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

摘要

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