Family Structure

Our family structure has remained the central focus in maintaining the survival of the Kurama people. This is because the Kurama family has remained one of the two aspects of the Kurama customs that has not been violated. The other is our Spirituality. Through the family, a source becomes available through which the Kurama people are able to teach our children about our hopes and aspirations.  Responsibilities within the Kurama family are highly structured, with every member of the family expected to perform his or her role.

Most families comprises of the following:

Family Member

Role

Father

a. Primary Bread winner

b. Primary Protector

c. Primary Head of the Family

d. Secondary source of counsel

e. The last point in conflict resolution

Mother

a. Secondary Bread Winner

b. Secondary Protector

c. Makes decisions for the family

d. Primary source of counsel

e. The first point in conflict resolution

f. Manages the household

Daughter*

a. Administers the chores of the family

b. Tertiary source of protection

c. Tertiary point in conflict resolution

d. "Serves" the siblings

Son*

a. Administers the chores of the family

b. Tertiary source of protection

c. Tertiary point in conflict resolution

d. "Serves" the siblings

Relative

These could be aunts, uncles, in-laws or cousins. All help in the general support of the family. They do so by performing roles that are similar to the above.

* This depends on whether the son or daughter is older or younger. The older children are served by the younger ones. For instance, the younger son will be expected to run errands or perform chores as delegated by the older sister and vice versa.