THE SOMALI SOCIAL SYSTEM: INTERSECTIONS OF XEER, MASLAHA, GENDER RELATIONS, AND NEOPATRIMONIALISM

Purpose of study: This study examines the Somali social system through Institutional Theory, focusing on the intersections of Xeer, maslaha, gender relations, clan structures, and neopatrimonialism. It seeks to explain how customary, religious, and political institutions interact across political, social, economic, cultural, normative, and theological dimensions, while identifying opportunities for inclusive institutional reform. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative research design based on documentary and thematic content analysis. Secondary data were obtained from peer-reviewed scholarly literature, ethnographic studies, policy documents, and institutional reports, primarily published between 2019 and 2025. Institutional Theory guided interpretation of institutional resilience, hybridity, path dependency, power relations, and processes of social transformation. Findings: The findings demonstrate that the Somali social system remains resilient because Xeer, clan networks, Islamic institutions, and customary leadership continue to provide legitimacy, conflict-resolution mechanisms, social protection, and collective identity where formal institutions remain weak. Xeer promotes reconciliation, consensus, accessibility, and social cohesion, but simultaneously reinforces clan-based fragmentation and exclusion, particularly of women and minority groups. Maslaha provides an important Islamic principle through which customary practices can be adapted toward public welfare, justice, and social inclusion. However, patriarchal norms and neopatrimonial political practices continue to restrict women's participation, undermine meritocracy, facilitate patronage, and weaken institutional accountability. These intersecting dynamics produce both resilience and significant governance challenges. Conclusion: The study concludes that Somalia's indigenous institutions should not simply be replaced but critically reformed and integrated with formal legal and political structures. Culturally grounded application of maslaha can support inclusive reinterpretation of Xeer, while women's and youth participation, legal harmonization, civic education, and accountability reforms can strengthen democratic governance, justice, social cohesion, and sustainable institutional development.