The Relative Contribution of the Extended Family System to Schooling in Nigeria

The family is by far the most important social institution of society for two major reasons. First, it is the institution of procreation which enables society to maintain human continuity. Second, it is the institution that provides the individual's early socializing experiences which are built upon in later years. Although the institution of the family is regarded as universal, especially in terms of its traditional functions of childbearing and childrearing, there are several family types, some of which are peculiar to certain cultures. The extended family system, the focus of this study, is regarded as peculiar to African societies, even though it is becoming less dominant compared to the past due to the continent's contact with Western cultures. The correct definition of the extended family system is yet to be agreed upon by anthropologists and sociologists, but from actual practices in the various societies in Africa, the following characteristics can be observed: (1) The extended family system is a combination of several nuclear, polygamous, or polyandrous types of family, and the relationships between the members are biological and social. (2) The members through biological relationships usually trace their origin to a common ancestor, lineage, and a common geneological line. (3) The members usually occupy a specific geographical location in a village or city as a home place for all members even if they live in other parts of the world, returning to it from time to time. (4) The members have a common identity and group feelings, looking up to one another for help at times of disaster or misfortune and sharing one another's happiness. The above characteristics show that the extended family system

Geography · Mathematics education · Sociology · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Psychology

• Learning from Narratives

  Gwen Vogel, Sharon Gschaider-Kassahun•Journal of Psychology in Africa•2009

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