The childless elderly in Tiriki, Kenya, and Irigwe, Nigeria: A comparative analysis of the relationship between beliefs about childlessness and the social status of the childless elderly.

Research in Tiriki, Western province, Kenya, in 1954-56, 1961, and 1982, and Irigwe, Plateau State, Nigeria, in 1963-5 and 1980, reveals that these two geographically and culturally disparate tribal groups both prescribe "parenthood" as a precondition for attainment of full adult status and thus as a prerequisite for true elderhood. In Irigwe anyone of sound mind can achieve "parenthood" and therefore acceptance as an elder of high status through foster-parenthood and ritual parenthood. In Tiriki, however, foster-parenthood does not suffice to affirm one's full adult and elder statuses, making the social position of the elder with no living offspring very difficult, indeed untenable, in traditional communities.