Complexities, Dynamism, and Changes in the Nigerian Contemporary Family Structure

Abstract

Family, like other social institutions within society, has undergone changes that have impacted its structure, form, and dynamics over the years. This chapter, through an in-depth review of family and relationship literature, investigates the complexities, dynamics, and changes in the Nigerian family structure. These changes are argued to be influenced among other things by various cultural, social, political, and economic factors that have shaped the twenty-first century. As such, the contemporary Nigerian family structure has witnessed transformations such as an increase in single parenting, separation, divorce, baby-daddy and baby-mama arrangements, and the salient practice of homo-sexual relationships, among others. These changes have not only impacted family structures and formations but also have attendant consequences on relationship patterns in marriages, intimate relationships, and children’s socialization.

Citation

Alabi, O.J. and Olonade, O.Y. (2022), "Complexities, Dynamism, and Changes in the Nigerian Contemporary Family Structure", Fawole, O.A. and Blair, S.L. (Ed.) Families in Nigeria: Understanding Their Diversity, Adaptability, and Strengths (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 18), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-353520220000018008