Family

In Sierra Leone, the typical household includes the extended family with parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all living in the same house. Aunts may be addressed as mother, and cousins are called brother or sister. One of the parents, either the mother or father, will be financially responsible for their family. Men are the dominant figures in the home in Sierra Leone, and they may make decisions without the wife's knowledge.

Allowing family members to have regular, individual time alone to pursue their own activities, socialize with friends, or simply relax is not common in Sierra Leone. The majority of time is spent as a family, with very little time spent alone. When there is more than one wife living on a compound, the wives usually share responsibilities and raise children. The average woman births five children over the course of her lifetime. Men can also assist with child rearing.