Family Cohesion, Endurance, and [im] patient Family Capital in Developing Economies

A case of the Karamojong Nomadic Society in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out the influence of nomadic culture on family cohesion, endurance, and patient or impatient family capital among the Karamojong society in Uganda. Using the qualitative research approach, the focus groups of elders, youth, and women revealed that Karamojong traditions and initiations play a significant role in nurturing practical family cohesion. The customized initiations and historical traditions also influence the Karamojong endurance. Although the Karamojong society has a special attachment to two significant physical assets (i.e., land and cows), as communal assets, the Karamojong women revealed that they have minimum influence in decisions regarding these physical assets. Karamojong elders are highly respected and trusted by the community, and they play a big role in endurance, family cohesion, and family capital. These findings augment the stewardship theory by extending to more perspectives such as clan based practical family cohesion, combined competitiveness through endurance and community segmented focused traditional initiations that hinge on building patient family capital. All these rely on the elders as units of a strong respect and authority in the Karamojong society.