Age-Set System

Age-set System

The Meaning of Age-Set System

Explain the meaning of age-set system

Age set is a social system or organization which involves age and sex in the distribution of activities and duties. Therefore age, sex and gender are highly considered in division of labor and specialization. Examples of tribes that practiced age set are the Maasai in Tanzania, Karamajong in Uganda and Nandi in Kenya.

The Social, Political and Economic Organisation of Societies which Practiced the Age-Set System

Explain the social, political and economic organization of societies which practiced the age-set system

The social, political and economical organization of societies that practiced age set organization was based on age and sex in the division and specialization of labor. The main economic activity in age set system societies was livestock keeping which resulted in a semi-nomadic life. The tribes which practiced the age set system were Maasai in Tanzania, Karamajong in Uganda and Nandi in Kenya.

Age set covered a specific group of years for example.

a.      Children group aged 0-8 years were regarded as non producers group.They were not directly involve in production.

b.     Youth group 8-18 years their main responsibility was to graze animal, trading young animals and milking cattle they were assisted by women.

c.      Moran group (people between youth and adults aged between 35 years) and above these were solders of the society and the society and the main responsibilities of the Moran were as follows; i. To protect the whole society as trained solders. ii. To protect live stock against dangerous animals and raiders. iii. To increase the number of animals through raiding their neighbours; iv. To travel with their herds in search for water and pastures;

d.     Laibons this is the group of elders aged 40 years and above it consisted of elders who were divided in groups namely; Junior elders; Elders and senior elders.

Responsibilities of elders included:

·         To control live stock and the properties on behalf of their communities.

·         To enable norms and ethics to govern the society.

·         They were top over seeds of all the spiritual and political matters of the community.

·         They were responsible for counseling other members of the society.

·         To settle disputes among the society members.

·         They were regarded as retired producers of the society but their ideas and skills were highly appreciated.