Volume 14 - Article 8 | Pages 139–156  

Interconnections among changing family structure, childrearing and fertility behaviour among the Ogu, Southwestern Nigeria: A qualitative study

By Onipede Wusu, Uche C. Isiugo-Abanihe

Abstract

The interconnections of family transformation, childrearing and fertility behaviour are explored. Data were generated through nine focus groups organized among the Ogu and content analyzed.
The analysis reveals that although the family system is still largely dominated by extended structure, the strong traditional kinship ties have begun to undergo serious strain. Child fostering and other means of spreading childrearing cost among relatives are fading out. Consequently, desired family size and ideal number of children in the society now gravitate to four children relative to over eight in the past. Given dwindling extended family resources for the support of a large number of its members, innovative reproductive behaviour is permeating the society, such as the adoption of family planning.

Author’s Affiliation

• Onipede Wusu - Lagos State University, Nigeria EMAIL
• Uche C. Isiugo-Abanihe - University of Ibadan, Nigeria EMAIL

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