Exploring the Neglect of African Family Value Systems and its Effects on Sustainable Development

Abstract

The study explored the neglect and abandonment of African family value system and its effect on society’s development with emphasis on the Efik and Igbo cultures in South - east and South - south Nigeria respectively as references. The study employed the qualitative research design. Data was obtained from community members (both young and old) in Calabar Municipality, who are indigenes of the various Igbo speaking Ethnic groups and Cross River State, Nigeria through focus group discussions (FGDs) and unstructured interview schedules. The findings of the study revealed that acculturation through western Medias, culture contact, Education, religion, westernization etc. have all played different roles in altering and influencing the neglects noticeable in the African family value system and this is further weakening the social development of the larger society. The study therefore recommends that among others, family members especially parents should have some inputs to mate selection of their children. Marriage should not be treated as a social contract for only the young ones, rather, family members should intensify efforts to be involved in mate selection and marriage proper; rites of passage in African traditional culture must be uphold to give meaning and value to those who enter into it in order to avoid careless living, divorce and increased separations among marriage partners.