Tradition versus modernity: Perspectives on economic transformation of Akan funerals
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Date
2015-04-17
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University of Ghana
Abstract
This article examines the economic aspect of contemporary Akan
funeral celebrations in Ghana. Akan lineage members, from birth
through puberty, marriage, maturity, old age, go through various rites
of passage that bond them culturally, socially and spiritually to others
in society. One such rite is funeral celebration, which has been at the
heart of public social events of the people. Akan funerals, wherever
they are celebrated, be it in Ghana or the diaspora, form a context for
people to come together. However, the changes in Ghanaian Akan
funerals over the years, and their impact on the people, make this a
crucial topic to study. The authors interviewed 20 Akans (10 based in
the U.S. and the other 10 based in Ghana), to explore their perspectives
on the changing economic trends of Akan funeral practices. Economic
impact and the resulting challenges identified by the participants are discussed.
Description
School of social sciences colloquium
Keywords
funeral, Akan lineage, marriage, old age