The dynamics of the family network during childhood: A genealogical and longitudinal approach to rural Mali

Abstract

BACKGROUND Complex extended families are common in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Relationships between family members take on a wide range of forms (polygamy, classificatory kinship system). However, the complexity of children's family unit and changes in it are not well taken into account by quantitative surveys. OBJECTIVE Our paper brings together traditional demographic perspectives, anthropological and genealogical approaches, to analyze children's kinship networks and how they change over time. By documenting who is present in a child's network and who remains there over time, our approach aims to generate new insights into the context of child socialisation. METHODS Using genealogical data, coupled with results from a follow-up survey conducted in rural Mali, we define the set of kinship ties that connect each child to other members of his domestic group and measure the turnover in children's family environment. RESULTS Children grow up surrounded by complex families whose boundaries extend well beyond parents, siblings, and close relatives. Moreover, this environment constantly changes. In the space of five years, 50% of the people in a child's relational network are replaced.

The dynamic role of household structure on under-5 mortality in southern and eastern sub-Saharan Africa

“…One study in rural Mali finds that the odds of a child's death are higher in large households (over 15 members) with multiple children, and in polygynous households. The study also indicates that children in households composed of multiple nuclear families (lateral households) fare better (Dasré, Samuel, and Hertrich 2019). Households that include lateral ties such as brothers living together or vertical multigenerational ties may provide different contexts for children, affecting their health and well-being.…”

Relationship between symptoms, barriers to care and healthcare utilisation among children under five in rural Mali

“…Symptom patterns potentially indicative of more severe illness were generally associated with higher odds of utilising any care, though these differences were attenuated when examining children’s likelihood of timely care with a qualified provider. When caregivers recognise potential danger signs such as blood in stools, they may more sell productive assets or incur debt to overcome cost‐related barriers [ 7 , 44 ]. However, even among children with the most concerning symptom patterns, only about one‐fourth received care from a qualified provider within 24 h. This underscores how common barriers to care are in this high‐burden setting.…”

The Rise and Prominence of Skip‐Generation Households in Lower‐ and Middle‐Income Countries

“…2018, Ruggles and Heggeness 2008, Esteve et al. 2020, Reher and Requena 2018, Dasré, Samuel, and Hertrich 2019). Comparative studies of skip‐generation households are virtually nonexistent and, to our knowledge, there are no systematic studies either confirming whether increasing trends in skip‐generation households are occurring or evaluating the magnitude of change in prevalence of skip‐generation households across countries.…”

“…Moreover, few directly measure the proportion of households that are skip-generation, and the small number that do largely focus on the consequences of AIDS mortality (Ciganda, Gagnon, and Tenkorang 2012, Hosegood 2009, Richter and Desmond 2008, Richter et al 2009. Although a number of recent studies make important contributions toward identifying trends in household composition, none of these explicitly examine global trends in skip-generation households (Pesando et al 2018, Ruggles and Heggeness 2008, Esteve et al 2020, Reher and Requena 2018, Dasré, Samuel, and Hertrich 2019. Comparative studies of skip-generation households are virtually nonexistent and, to our knowledge, there are no systematic studies either confirming whether increasing trends in skip-generation households are occurring or evaluating the magnitude of change in prevalence of skip-generation households across countries.…”