Les mariages interethniques Bamileke et Beti : entre exclusion sociale et integration nationale dans la ville de Yaoundé

Abstract

Inter-ethnic alliances are part of ancient matrimonial practices in Cameroonian society. However their growth dates from the 2000S. The figures observed within the town halls show that they are booming in the Cameroonian urban space. This study, which focuses on bamileke and beti interethnic marriages: between social exclusion and national integration in the city of yaounde was motivated by the observation of the phenomenon in the capital city over the past decades. It has also been clear that the attitudes of certain social agents, in particular heads of families, with regard to this type of union are not prerogative of national integration, a discourse on which the public authorities continue to trumpet. This is how the problem of the social exclusion of actors in a Bamileke-Beti mixed marriage situation arises. The main question is to know what explains the exclusion of these actors despite the actions implemented by the state authorities to promote national integration. As for the main hypothesis, it stipulates that exclusion of spouses is the result of the different traditional socio-cultural contexts in which the social groups (Bamileke-beti) have evolved on the one hand and of the representations that these make to the regard to inter-ethnic marriage on the other hand. Three theorical analysis grids guided the research: these are the approach to social representation, gift for gift and dynamist sociology. These have made it possible to learn about the dynamics of the phenomenon of marriages between bamileke and beti, prejudices and perceptions around this type of union as well as the individual motivations which frame the choice of spouses. The collection of field data was made from documentary research, semi-strutured interviews and life stories. The results of the study highlight the progression of the phenomenon despite the reluctance present in the families. At the base of this progression, a plethora of social factors which tend to predestine the new generations of young city dwellers to contract mixed marriages and to make marriage in general, a framework for the affirmation of personal aspirations. a reality which is not without consequences for the experience of couples, families and society in general.