Change In The Structure Of Family Institution In Nigeria A Case Study Of Akoko South West Local Government, Ondo state

ABSTRACT·

This research evaluates the degree of cultural change in the structure of the family

institution among the Yoruba of south west Nigeria. It aims at identifying the

trends, patterns and changes in the institution.

The value long associated with Africa system of marriage has now been

overshadowed by European culture. There have been counter-currents to the

Yoruba ideology of kinship and marriage, whi.ch operate to the disadvantage of

women, as women now compete with their male counterparts in almost every

sphere of life. Children are now challenging the authority of their parents when it

comes to the choice of life partners. The value for children that makes people to

have more children than they could cater for is seriously attenuated. The

propositions of functionalist and social exchange approaches are reviewed with a

view to drawing out useful interferences in relation to the function of the family. It

uses the works of peter Blau and Malinowski for family-relationship assessment.

The research contends that the extended family and other kin groups are declining

in their influences. It is therefore, the conclusion of this work that the traditional

structure of the family has changed; the changes are now creating a new family

structure.

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