Structure and Organization
Generation Sets
The Gadaa system organizes society into generation sets (groups of males born in the same 8-year period).
The Five Grades
| Grade | Age Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dabballee | 0-8 | Childhood |
| Foollee | 8-16 | Junior warriors |
| Qondaala | 16-24 | Senior warriors |
| Luba | 24-32 | Ruling class |
| Yuba | 32-40 | Advisors/Elders |
40-Year Cycle
- Each person passes through all 5 grades
- Total cycle takes 40 years
- Creates experienced leadership pipeline
Moiety System
Society is divided into two halves:
- Each half takes turns in leadership
- Ensures balance and fairness
- Prevents concentration of power