West African Culture compared to Confucianism

The role of families and older generations in Confucianism and in West African culture were similar. In West Africa, people lived in kinship groups. Decisions in these groups were made by a small group of the eldest members. They were respected, trusted, and looked up to because of all their years of experience. Members in each kinship group were loyal to each other, and helped each other in hard times. The role of family in Western Africa was to support each other. In Confucianism, family and older generations were also greatly respected. Children had to have respect for their parents and older generations. Also, education was important, and the younger ones were educated by the older ones. Western African culture and Confucianism are similar because the elders were respected and looked up to for decisions and ideas. Families and older generations played an important part in both West Africa and China.