Social solidarity surrounding social ceremonies in Burundi remains deeply rooted in local customs, according to observations from the region. This deep-seated tradition, which is a fundamental aspect of Burundian habits, continues to shape community interactions. However, the nature of this participation is evolving, as contributing to these events is increasingly transitioning from a simple choice to a firm social expectation among community members. This shift suggests a significant change in how traditional support systems are perceived and enacted within Burundian society, moving away from purely voluntary acts towards a more obligatory framework.
Digital Committees Amplify Expectations
The proliferation of digital communication platforms has profoundly amplified expectations for social solidarity in Burundi. These platforms have introduced new dynamics to how community members are engaged in social ceremonies. T.N. Reported being added to three wedding preparation committees simultaneously without prior warning, illustrating the sudden and often unsolicited nature of these demands. Similarly, N.P. Stated she was included in a wedding committee for an individual she barely knew, connected only through a friend of a friend, noting how social networks are leveraged to expand the pool of potential contributors. N.P. Also noted her inclusion in groups for birthdays and baby showers, where financial contributions or gifts are routinely expected, indicating that this trend extends beyond weddings to various life events.
These digital committees, often hosted on platforms like WhatsApp, can gather over two hundred participants, many of whom are expected to contribute financially or materially. A single person can find themselves in numerous such groups, each soliciting their participation for different events. This constant influx of requests places considerable pressure on individuals. T.N. Described the widespread feeling of obligation, stating, "On se sent toujours sous pression avec l’idée que tu dois faire tout pour contribuer" (One always feels under pressure with the idea that you must do everything to contribute). The sheer volume of these solicitations means that individuals are frequently faced with decisions about how much to give and to which events, often feeling compelled to participate in all of them.
N.P. Acknowledged the importance of social solidarity but expressed concern over the rapid pace and intensity of these demands. She commented, "Je ne suis pas contre la solidarité. Mais, il ne faut pas que deux personnes se mettent la pression en préparant une cérémonie dans un délai très court et en pensant que les autres doivent nécessairement contribuer à leur mariage" (I am not against solidarity. But two people should not put pressure on themselves by preparing a ceremony in a very short time and thinking that others must necessarily contribute to their wedding). Her sentiment reflects a growing unease with the perceived entitlement of organizers and the burden placed on community members.
Economic Pressures and Social Mimicry
The rising cost of living in Burundi has placed additional burdens on households, intensifying the frequency of solicitations for social ceremonies. This economic strain means individuals are often asked to contribute to events at a time when their own financial resources are already stretched thin. The increasing weight of the cost of living on households directly contributes to the proliferation of requests for financial support, as organizers seek to mitigate their own expenses through collective contributions.
Within digital committees and social groups, the comparison of contribution amounts among participants can lead to increased donations. Members, aware of what others are giving, may feel compelled to raise their own contributions to match or exceed them, further impacting personal finances. This social comparison creates an environment where generosity can quickly become a competitive act rather than a purely voluntary one, pushing individuals to contribute more than they might otherwise intend.
The practice of organizing ceremonies that exceed one's financial means has become more prevalent, spreading through imitation within communities. This trend can create a cycle where individuals feel pressured to host elaborate events, expecting collective contributions to cover the costs, even if they cannot afford such expenditures independently. This behavior, in turn, contributes to the overall increase in demands placed on community members for financial support, as the expectation of grand celebrations becomes normalized. This imitation of organizing ceremonies beyond one's financial capacity further exacerbates the pressure on the wider community to contribute.
Sociologist Explains the Transformation
The multiplication of committees and WhatsApp groups is reconfiguring traditional Burundian solidarity, according to sociologist Blaise Izerimana. He stated that the traditional Burundian solidarity is known by the Kirundi term 'Guterereza', describing an act that was historically voluntary. Izerimana noted that this voluntary act has transformed into a social expectation, asserting it has shifted "d’un acte volontaire à une attente sociale" (from a voluntary act to a social expectation). This transformation notes a fundamental change in the social contract surrounding community support.
Izerimana further noted the influence of digital platforms on individual contributions, explaining how group dynamics can sway participants. "Lorsqu’ils sont dans un un groupe WhatsApp, il est très facile de pouvoir les manipuler" (When they are in a WhatsApp group, it is very easy to manipulate them), he explained. This manipulation often occurs through social comparison, where individuals feel pressure to match higher donations from others, even if it strains their personal finances. Izerimana observed, "Lorsque tu as vu qu’il y a ceux qui ont donné 100 000, 50 000 et 30 000 FBu, il te semble difficile de donner 5 000 FBu" (When you have seen that there are those who have given 100,000, 50,000 and 30,000 FBu, it seems difficult for you to give 5,000 FBu). He added that this behavior spreads through imitation, with people saying, "là, il a fait comme ça et nous aussi nous devons le faire" (there, he did it like that and we also must do it), creating a cascading effect of increased expectations and contributions within the community. This phenomenon illustrates how deeply rooted social habits are being reshaped by modern communication tools and economic realities.
