THE DYNAMICS OF CHILD REARING IN EKWULUMILI SOCIETY

Abstract

This study explores the evolving dynamics of child rearing in Ekwulumili, a traditional Igbo community in southeastern Nigeria. Drawing on qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions, the research investigates how cultural values, social structures, and external influences shape parenting practices within the community. The findings reveal a strong emphasis on communal responsibility, respect for elders, and moral instruction, which are deeply embedded in indigenous child-rearing norms. However, these traditional models are increasingly challenged by socio-economic changes, migration, religious shifts, and the influence of globalization and modern education. The paper highlights the adaptive strategies employed by families to reconcile cultural expectations with contemporary realities, shedding light on the tensions and transformations within intergenerational parenting ideologies. By situating Ekwulumili’s experiences within broader theoretical frameworks of child development and cultural change, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of African child-rearing practices and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in postcolonial societies.