INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD CARE IN URBAN SOUTH AFRICA

Although the role of family in traditional South African societies was important,
family boundaries were often loose and expansive. In comparison to many western
cultures, less distinction was made between immediate families and extended families.
This continuity actually serves as practical in instances of a death, role transferrence, or
other disruptions to a family. Cousins would often exhibit a degree of familiarity that
seemed closer to a sibling relationship.
As Lindikhaya described his life after leaving 5Cees, his situation began to portray
how loose the distinction between different relations were held. “I am living with my
brother,” he mentioned. As he continued to tell his stories of living in Fine Town, it also
seemed as if his cousin, perhaps multiple cousins, were living with him. When I asked
him to clarify, he noted that it was just his cousin, whom he called his brother most of the
time. “We don’t even use that word, cousin,” he explained to me, somewhat dramatically.
“You’re my brother, or if you’re old enough you’re my uncle or aunt.” The loose usage
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