Family structure and house Architecture in Mauritius: Perspectives from Architectural Anthropology
Authors :Ashween Ramhotar
Abstract
This article investigates the evolution of family structure of Asian settlers in Mauritius since their arrival as Indentured Labourers and traders. Changes have occurred in family structure, house typologies, with drastic increase in level of education as well as great improvements in Social-economic status. The change in family systems from extended to nuclear has been gradual over a few generations while house types have evolved in parallel to cater for the demands of the new systems even though abrupt changes in the use of new construction materials in the 1960s have not been properly documented vis-à-vis the resultant loss of culture. Values, memories and cultural strengths can be emphasized by Architecture given that there is enough thought invested into it. This article will try to iterate how the evolution of family structure has affected house Architecture in Mauritius by identifying what has been loss and what can be reinvented to be made applicable for the new contemporary needs of the Mauritian family. According to data published by The World Health Organization, the population of Mauritius in 2023 was 1,237,588, out of which, 180, 849 were 65 years of age or
above, representing 14.2% of the population. A sample population of 10 individuals aged 65 years and above was randomly interviewed with questions pertaining to the memories of their childhood homes and neighborhood. The information obtained roughly related to Mauritian families and their houses as from 1950’s.
