Final answer:
In many West African tribes, society is connected by extended families and their relatives, forming a kinship system that determines rights and obligations within the community and shapes social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kinship system in many West African tribes is deeply rooted in extended family networks. These networks involve a complex web of relationships and responsibilities that play a central role in the social organization and function of the society. Kinship in West African societies is not just about biological relations but also encompasses cultural and social bonds. People are connected by their extended families and other relatives, which is a defining characteristic of the clannish nature of African social life. Moreover, kinship determines people's rights and obligations to others within the community, influencing their interactions and societal expectations.
Unlike societies where allegiance to a monarch shapes social connections, or where social divisions are defined predominantly by wealth or occupation, West African kinship systems emphasize familial and clan-based relations. Essential elements such as marriage alliances, familial support in times of need, and the management of economic resources are all influenced by one's kinship ties. Given the vital role kinship plays in the daily lives of West Africans, the kinship system shapes their identity and communal interactions significantly, particularly in smaller, rural village settings.