Adolescent_Psychology_Around_the_World_----_(Section_I_Africa_and_the_Middle_East)

Chapter 1: Cameroon

Background Information

• Population: 16 million

  • 71% Francophone, 29% Anglophone

  • Approximately 279 ethnic groups

  • About 230 African languages spoken

• Natural Resources: Abundant resources support agriculture and exports

  • Main exports: cocoa, coffee, rubber, cotton, bananas, petrol, timber, aluminum

• Political System: Multi-party system with a democratically elected government

• Geography: Plateaux and mountain chains

  • Notable feature: Volcanic Mount Cameroon

  • Terrain: Savannah, humid grassland, rich volcanic soil, equatorial forest

  • Climate: Equatorial and tropical with dry and wet seasons

• Major Historical Events:

  • Independence of French Cameroon: January 1, 1960

  • Reunification of British and French colonies: February 11, 1961

Period of Adolescence

• Biological Changes:

  • Puberty visible ages 10-14

  • Marks awareness of gender identity and roles

• Initiation Rites: Common among ethnic groups

  • Bamileke Ethnic Group:

    • Children ages 6-12 are termed mooh-goh (girl child) and mooh seup (boy child)

    • Ages 12-15 are tchieu-goh (young girl) and tchieu-seup (young boy), eligible for rites

• Isolation in Gender Groups:

  • Boys learn roles of men, girls are trained in domestic skills

  • Storytelling imparts cultural values and history during retreats

• Transition to Adulthood: Ages 15-20

  • Recognition as proto-adults, responsibility to parents and community

  • Initiation rites often include:

    • Boys: Circumcision, often public

    • Girls: Training in domestic skills, fertility rites

      • Example: “Family Bath” ritual among the Kom to promote fertility

Changing Socialization Trends

• Influences: Education, urbanization, and globalization altering traditional practices

• Emergence of prolonged adolescence for those pursuing tertiary education without financial independence

Beliefs and Values

• African Values: Emphasis on relational and interdependent social ties

  • Collective focus on societal well-being

• Religious Practices:

  • 40% practice traditional African religions

  • 40% Christianity predominantly in the south

  • 20% Islam in the north

• Initiation Rites and Sacrifices:

  • Girls: Cornflour sacrifice by girls; community-focused, celebrating maturation

  • Boys: Goat sacrifices indicating maturity and responsibility

Gender Roles

• Socialization into Gender Roles: Focuses on reproductive and productive functions

  • Initiated by same-sex parents and older siblings

• Gender-specific Education:

  • Girls taught domestic skills, boys encouraged in community exploration

• Employment Patterns: Boys expected in physical labor, while girls in nurturing and household tasks

• Gender Differences in Education:

  • Boys engaged more in family work than girls, reflecting societal beliefs about gender roles

Health and Gender Practices

• Circumcision Practices:

  • Male Circumcision: Traditional practice, prevalent with 93% circumcised by age 20

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Declining prevalence, 1.4% as of 2004

Identity Formation

• Social Identity:

  • Adolescents form identities within the context of community and culture

  • Gender identity: Girls aim for marriage, boys envision becoming family heads

Family Dynamics

• Definition of Family: Includes extended family roles (uncles, grandparents)

• Conflicts: Arise from obedience, representation in social practices, and adolescent independence

• Sibling Roles: Responsibility for younger siblings fosters socialization skills

Youth Culture and Activities

• Peer Influence: Defined through sports, academic excellence, and social gatherings

  • Traditional dances vary by gender, emphasizing cultural heritage

• Impact of Globalization: Youth adapt Euro-American cultural elements while maintaining traditional practices

Sexuality and Education

• Traditional Beliefs: Sexuality oriented towards procreation; adolescents encouraged to delay sexual activity

• Prevalence of Sexual Activity: 40% of adolescents sexually active; early experiences often involuntary

• Sexual Education: Traditionally conveyed through rites; current education in formal settings remains limited

Economic and Employment Trends

• Youth Employment: Necessary contributions to household; informal jobs prevalent

• Youth Unemployment Rate: 9%, highlighting government challenges in creating job opportunities

Media and Cultural Influence

• Media Consumption: Television prevalent among urban adolescents, affecting cultural expressions

• Threats: Traditional practices impacted by external media influences

Political Engagement

• Youth in Politics: Involvement primarily as pressure groups, with active participation in civil duties

• Volunteerism: Many youths engaged in community services and NGOs, seeking opportunities in employment and scholarships

Unique Issues

• Ongoing Challenges: Resource scarcity, education without materials, unemployment post-education

• Migration Trends: Rural-urban migration and vice versa affecting youth conditions