Law and Social Change: A Case Study in the Customary Law of Inheritance in Zambia

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Law and Social Change: A Case Study in the Customary Law of Inheritance in Zambia
Author:	Mvunga, Mphanza P.
Year:	1979
Periodical:	African Social Research
Issue:	28
Period:	December
Pages:	643-654
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zambia
Subjects:	customary law family law Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Law, Human Rights and Violence
Abstract:	The author conducted research in 1975 in Chipata District (Eastern Province), Mazabuka and Gwembe Districts (Southern Province) and Chavuma (North Western Province). The ethnic communities involved in the investigations are the Ngoni, Tonga, and Luvale respectively. The paper is concerned with the impact of social change on the customary law of inheritance (a body of rules which determines the apportionment of property of a person who dies without having made arrangements for the distribution of his or her property) in these areas. After some preliminary considerations relating to the choice of communities and methods of investigation employed, the author restates the traditional law and indicates current variations brought about by modern conditions in an attempt to deduce the relationship between law and social change. Notes.