Repositioning the Family for Economic and Social Survival in our Changing Society: Research Imperatives

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of repositioning the family, the roles of family members and the various societal changes that are currently affecting the Nigerian family. To reposition, connotes rearrangement, the need to find new more workable approaches, to adjust, or place in another position. To reposition something becomes necessary only when the existing situation or circumstance no longer produces expected result or goal. The family is a sociological/socio- cultural creation that represents the smallest unit of the society often made up of father, mother and children. In most patrimonial societies, the father initiates the marital union between himself and the wife. He bears the cost and beholds the wife as a source of joy and pride. The mother assists the father in these duties but is also focused on care and nurture of the home. The family as a microcosm of the society is faced with many challenges. They include economic and social upheavals epitomised by increased rates of crime. Others include increase in poverty and unemployment rates, galloping inflation, low life expectancy, increase in mental and behavioural problems. A changing society might be associated with social and economic crises such as inflation, unemployment, and increase in crime and drug abuse rates. Many of the current generation of young Nigerians do not want to be patient with life. They are in a hurry, looking for shorter often unlawful corners to command wealth and influence. This is the crux of the challenges of our society that threaten economic and social survival. Therefore, there is a clarion call for empirically tested solutions as the way forward.