Social Life

[Olùkọ́ Ọbádélé]

Social Life

http://www.wolof.org/way_of_life/soc...ocial_life.htm

The Wolof society is organized by family units. The family (including the extended family) is sacred. Mbokk signifies not only the extended family but also your work, school, sport colleagues, etc. These relationships within the society are the most

important thing. Relationships are more important than money, time or other material possessions.

Many families in a community are related to each other by kinship - either blood or marriage. Other important family relationships come from work, school, sports groups or gammo (by family names.) It is customary in the urban areas that the new family in the neighborhood is the one to go around to the different homes, greeting their neighbors and introducing themselves.

The title of village chief is hereditary, passed down in the most prominent family or founder of the village. Chiefs are chosen on the basis of respect and leadership ability, rather than on the basis of knowledge or education. Wisdom and good character are highly valued in the village leader. Leaders can lose their right to lead through incompetence, corruption, or losing face in the community. The village chief assumes much responsibility, although he is not usually paid much. The chiefs are often farmers, or have sources of income apart from their chief role. Individuals respect their leaders. Leaders have a natural rapport with other leaders.