Structural Shifts in African Kinship: Evaluating Marriage and Family Dynamics in Contemporary Society

Purpose: Was to evaluate the Structural Shift in African Kinship in marriage and family dynamics in the contemporary society Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used qualitative method relying on secondary data sources, the study mainly retrieved information through desktop review of scholarly books, reports, journal articles, university publications with information on African kinship, African family structures, marriage practices, African gender roles and urbanization Findings: Extended family kinship has been weakened by formal education, rural-urban migration, wage labor and globalization which has resulted to embracing smaller family units. Bride-price remain very important symbolic aspect but it has immensely been commercialized which has lead to delayed marriage, single parenthood, long-term cohabitation and consensual union. Women financial empowerment has also promoted egalitarianism threatening the established masculinity which is associated with male authority and decision making Implications/Originality/Value: African Kinship change reflects more of hybrid and adaptation of both the traditional family practices and modernity realities. Modernity in this case has not completely disrupted African kinship but it has embraced adaptation.