If anything is lacking in Africa, it is certainly not culture.  We are traditionally blessed. We are also blessed in the practice of different religions and cultures.  Even within countries in Africa, they practice different cultures in different parts of the States and local government areas.  Nigeria is a case in point.  The 36 States of the federation practice different cultures that are unique to each State. Even within the 36 States, different local government areas practice different cultures.  Some cultures are practiced by some families only.  However, the extended family culture is observed and practiced in all parts of Africa, though at different degrees.

Culture has been variously defined. Linton, R. (1945) defined culture as “a configuration of learned behaviors and results of behavior whose component elements are shared and transmitted by the members of a particular society". Parson, T. (1949) in his essays said that "Culture...consists in those patterns relative to behavior and the products of human action which may be inherited, that is, passed on from generation to generation independently of the biological genes".  In the same vain, Useem, J., & Useem, R. (1963) defined culture as “ the learned and shared behavior of a community of interacting human beings".

I come from the part of the world where culture and  love are practiced to the extreme.  We are taught to love and care for, not only, our neighbours but those who have direct or indirect link with us.  Marriage as an institution ordained by God is also encouraged by our culture. This, I believe, is also encouraged in other parts of the world.  What however makes the African culture unique is its recognition of the extended family.

In Africa, a man is literally married not only to the wife but to the wife’s entire family.  This is also applicable to the woman, she is said not to be literally married to the man only but to the entire family.  This by implication means that the man’s responsibility extends to the wife’s entire family and vice versa.  The families’ views and suggestions are taken into consideration in any decision making process. Sometimes, situations arise where we have to give up our dreams of an ideal household.  On occasions, we may even have to sacrifice our personal preferences to help others and keep a roof over their heads.  Oftentimes, though, we actually invite chaos when we do this. 

The extended family culture actually fosters relationships.  Unlike the western culture where the man cares for his wife and children, the African culture goes beyond.  A typical African man is traditionally required to take care of his wife, children, parents, and siblings and wife’s parents and siblings.  No one sees anything wrong with the culture.  The parents or siblings of the husband or wife are authorized to visit their house with or without notice and at any time of the day or night.  They cannot be sent back for not informing them before hand.  In the western culture, the reverse is the case.  Your responsibility (especially financial) is limited to your wife and children except where you voluntarily decide to assist.

At old age, the African culture requires the man and wife to cater for the aged parents.  This probably accounts for the little or no presence of old people’s home.  It is considered a shameful act for one’s aged parents to be taken to the old people’s home when his/her children are still alive.  It is indeed a taboo.  It is un-African.  In the western world, however nobody sees anything wrong in the practice.  It is normal. It is government’s responsibility to cater for the aged ones. 

The rate of divorce in marriage is generally low in Africa.  I am of the opinion that the extended family culture plays an important role in fostering their relationship.  This is so because in as much as the husband and wife maintain their secrets, they still confide in some family members.  This way, disputes are easily resolved.

In some families, a man is expected to practically take care of at least one of his wife’s siblings.  Caring may be an understatement.  He is expected to sponsor to the highest level the education/training of, at least, one of his wife’s siblings.  This encourages development in both families.  There is really nothing wrong in assisting one’s wife siblings but where the man is not financially empowered, it becomes a burden and a curse.

The burden of extended family has resulted in late marriages as the man thinks twice of the load ahead before embarking on the journey of no return.  This also results in late marriages for the women because the men’s delay translates to her delay also.

The rate of corruption is high in Africa (apologies).  This may not be unconnected with the fact that there is high expectation from the man, the supposedly head of the family.  There are expectations from his immediate and extended families.  His inability to cope with the financial constraints compels him to find alternative (sometimes illegal) means of survival.

Notwithstanding some of the difficulties in the application of the extended family culture, the culture which it should be, has not been criticized formally and openly, to the best of my knowledge by anyone.  It could at best be said that we are proud of our culture except someone proves otherwise.