Ages grades had a variety of uses in pre-colonial Igbo society that aided in the social and political organization of the group. Age grades served the following two important purposes:
- Social cohesiveness: The Igbo people's social cohesiveness and togetherness were greatly aided by age groups. Membership in each age grade, which re[resented a unique group of people in a certain age range, was required for everyone in that age range.
- Governance and Conflict Resolution: In Igbo society, age grades also served as a kind of governance and a means of resolving disputes. In their hierarchical frameworks, each age grade had designated leader or elder who was in charge of making decisions and upholding order.