The Impact of Western Culture on Nigeria Family structure
a study of Ugwuaji community
Abstract
The culture and family structure of a society is a means of their identification as it affords them due recognition. Over centuries it has been vivid that the old Nigeria traditions are gradually fading away as we absorb western traditions and slowly conform to western influence. This research therefore is aimed at examining the impact of western culture on Nigeria family structure. This study was carried out in Ugwuaji community, with a sample size of 400. The theoretical framework of this study is the Functionalist Theory of Social Change. The theory suggested that both family structures (western and indigenous) should be practiced to avoid conflict in the society, but the demerits of both needs to be cut off; Adekorede and Abiondun (2016). Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the purpose of this study. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the villages in Ugwuaji community to be studied. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Simple statistics like frequency distribution and simple percentage method were used for the presentation and analysis of the research questions. Chi-square statistics was used in testing the hypotheses. One of the key findings of this research is that the indigenous family structure is going on extinction due to the penetration and acceptance of the western family structure. This research thereby recommends that parents should properly socialize and integrate their young ones into the indigenous cultural practices, and strengthen the extended family bond. And the government should add an extra credit curriculum in school activities to teach pupils/students about their origins and family structures. Teachers should also give pupils/students assignments to take home to their parents/guidance, elders and traditional ruler(s) to inquire about their original family structure. This should really be put into consideration as it could help to preserve cultures and traditions which are on the verge of going on extinction.
