Toward Relational Social Resilience: Local Associations and Sustenance of Communal Living in Asamankese, Ghana.

In Africa, social relationships are integral to established socio-cultural structures that provide support to many family members. However, evidence indicates that these structures, which foster interdependence among Ghanaian family members, are declining due to the perceived burdens faced by more privileged family members. In response, many Ghanaians living in small and medium-sized towns are forming new relationships by creating local associations. In this chapter, we argue that these local associations play a crucial role in strengthening and sustaining social ties in Ghana's smaller and medium-sized towns, serving as a form of social resilience. Our argument is supported by data from a qualitative study examining selected local associations in Asamankese, Ghana. The findings reveal that these associations similarly shape the lived experiences of both men and women and through their social ties, members enhance the interdependence needed to foster their resilience.