The sub- topic explores the institution of family; the types of family, characteristics of family, extended family systems in the African traditional African setting.

 

A family is a basic unit of relationship that comprises of closely related persons by descent language or history. It is through families that individuals form tribes and nations.

Types of family

Nuclear which comprises of father, mother and children (brothers and sisters / siblings) in most cases the father is the head.

Extended family which comprises of parents, children, grand parents/ elders and dependants.

Ghost family where both parents are dead and children live on their own.

Foster family in which children grow up in hands of people who are their own parents. They could be relatives or not, neighbours, tribesmen, clan men, village mates etc .

Institutional family where parentless children are brought up in children's homes. It does not depend on clan, tribe and are more socialised since they lack immediate attachment.

The role of family in nation building

National building refers to the submerging of different ethnic groups in a nation to achieve unity.

In a family, people have same desires and aspirations which are a foundation for national unity.

 

A family introduces its members to important concepts like charity, kindness, sharing a d obedience which are required for nation building .

 

Education of children which is necessary for nation building begins from the family.

The family introduces individuals to leadership and authority which are vital in nation building.

A family serves as the first unit of socialisation where the young are introduced to society.

Several families lead to formation of clans, several clans form tribes and tribes lead to formation of a nation.

The family also introduces the young to culture and religion which help in nation building e.g. during initiation in Akamba society a lot is taught to the candidates .

 The family is important in the growth and development of industries through the provision of labour.

A family is a producing unit, distributing unit and a consuming unit. 

Leaders of a nation come from families.

The conception of rules and guidelines originate from families and leads to constitutions in a nation.

The conception of rules and guidelines originate from families and leads to constitutions in a nation.