The Soninke Civilization: The Societal Organization and Its Flaws

Abstract

This article studies the contemporary Soninke societal organization and its flaws. The Soninke families called <i> xabiilo </i>(clans) are stratified hieratically, but profoundly characterized by some social inequalities. According to the societal classification, each <i> xabiila </i> (clan) is in charge of a social function that must be ensured religiously and continuously. Thus it is in a societal dynamic characterized by some social inequalities (difference between people and endogamy) that the <i> xabiilo </i> maintain some reciprocal relationships through the <i> laadani </i> (customs). In spite of being thought to be the backbone of the Soninke societal organization, that stratification is biased by some social inequalities.