Traditional Maasai society is primarily organized according to a system of age sets and clans. Each age set includes a group of men and women who were born within a specific timeframe and who go through life stages together. This system dictates the roles and responsibilities of its members, creating strong social ties and ensuring support within the community.
The Maasai clans, on the other hand, are made up of families that trace their lineage from a common ancestor. This clan structure plays a crucial role in social organization, political decisions, and resource management, as it helps maintain peace and cooperation among different groups.
Furthermore, the Maasai community is also heavily influenced by their pastoral lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on cattle herding. Cattle are seen as a measure of wealth and social status, which further shapes their social organization and interactions. The interdependence between age sets, clans, and herding practices forms the foundation of Maasai social structure, enabling them to maintain their rich cultural heritage amid modern changes.