Later, the Maninka rulers of Mali began spreading Islam throughout the African plains, and the Jula became strong converts. The Jula live in clans, and the clan is the most important aspect of their lives. The people are fiercely loyal to their clans, defending them proudly. They express their history and devotion through the traditions of dance and storytelling. The father is the head of the family and inheritances are passed down from fathers to their sons.
Older males possess the most power and influence.
The Jula began settling in towns during the 1500's. As a result, most Jula communities became politically subservient to the kings and chiefs of other ethnic groups. As merchants, it often benefited them to maintain good relationships with their neighbors. Among the Jula, there is generally a division of labor according to gender. However, both men and women engaged in trade.