Family Relevance in Igbo Society
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Uche Chinecherem Joyce
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 20:58 PM
Tags: Nigeria Lagos State Surulere 2026
Abstract
This project examines the family as the foundational institution of Igbo culture, emphasizing its social, economic, moral, and spiritual significance. In traditional Igbo society, the family extends beyond the nuclear household to include the extended lineage, kindred, and ancestors, forming a comprehensive system of identity and belonging. The study explores kinship structures, patriarchy, and age hierarchy as organizing principles that define authority, obligation, and social order within the family. The research analyzes marriage as the legitimate basis of family formation, highlighting customs such as bride wealth, communal rites, and polygamy, and their roles in strengthening interfamily alliances. It further examines gender roles, noting the complementary responsibilities of men and women in leadership, economic production, child upbringing, and moral instruction. Special attention is given to children as symbols of continuity, inheritance, and ancestral remembrance, and to respect for elders as a core family value. In addition, the project investigates the influence of religion, traditions, and ancestral veneration in regulating family behavior, conflict resolution, and moral discipline. The impact of modernization, Christianity, urbanization, and Western education on Igbo family life is also assessed. While these influences have reshaped family size, authority patterns, and social expectations, the study finds that essential values such as communal solidarity, mutual support, and respect for kinship endure. The project concludes that the Igbo family remains a resilient and adaptive institution, sustaining cultural identity and social stability amid change. The study contributes to cultural anthropology and provides insights relevant to education, social policy, and community development in contemporary Nigerian society. It also underscores the importance of documenting indigenous family systems to preserve heritage, guide reforms, and promote culturally sensitive development strategies nationwide in modern Nigeria.
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