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Posted by Chester Morton / Friday, 3 July 2026 / No comments

COMMUNITY CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: TURNING DISAGREEMENT INTO PROGRESS

<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zcfd9eNdgKTA3quj38vIcHLI2RmWXNtUxCCjwlZPnn8o9INjBOTDXe435e2ArHG01yKDp8VAtCYEkxzyMs4wiWkb-KtRGu3a2lqk6DfOwn_g6nosMLPzPHEtZqNtwbCd4embiGRx-A06jzagjFWfC9Qjuko32nHhLf8fBXFuptJ9sNCFOwPy3PnySY1l/s1024/Market%20of%20Promise%20Image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zcfd9eNdgKTA3quj38vIcHLI2RmWXNtUxCCjwlZPnn8o9INjBOTDXe435e2ArHG01yKDp8VAtCYEkxzyMs4wiWkb-KtRGu3a2lqk6DfOwn_g6nosMLPzPHEtZqNtwbCd4embiGRx-A06jzagjFWfC9Qjuko32nHhLf8fBXFuptJ9sNCFOwPy3PnySY1l/s320/Market%20of%20Promise%20Image.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Development projects are intended to
improve the lives of people by providing better infrastructure, creating jobs,
and expanding economic opportunities. However, even well-intentioned projects
can generate conflict when they affect people's livelihoods, traditions, or
daily routines. Roads, markets, schools, dams, and housing developments often
require changes that some members of the community welcome while others oppose.</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The story series <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61591567194485/posts/pfbid021hKyQFkhVUcwXS2wQxR14J5yRhWgJsnhLXAygxyd8ijmJLCTogsrtY3RR6FzhnFil/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a>
explores this challenge through the prom rposed construction and establishment of
a 24-hour market, as part of a government flagship policy. Although fictional,
the story reflects many of the issues that communities across <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=Ghana+development+community+conflict&bbid=8351913307657842898&bpid=6957719865071893340" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3DGhana%2Bdevelopment%2Bcommunity%2Bconflict%26bbid%3D8351913307657842898%26bpid%3D6957719865071893340"></iframe></span>Ghana</a> and other
parts of Africa encounter when development plans intersect with public
interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why Development Projects Can Create
Conflict<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Conflict does not always arise because
people oppose development. More often, it results from differing views about
how development should take place and who will benefit from it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfaT5SGe3/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a>, sitting the proposed 24-hour market raises important questions. Will existing traders lose customers? Will the
new location be accessible? How will nearby businesses be affected? Will the
project truly benefit the community in the long term?<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When people are uncertain about the answers
to such questions, disagreement becomes inevitable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=define+livelihoods+economic+development&bbid=8351913307657842898&bpid=6957719865071893340" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3Ddefine%2Blivelihoods%2Beconomic%2Bdevelopment%26bbid%3D8351913307657842898%26bpid%3D6957719865071893340"></iframe></span>Livelihoods</a> Are at Stake<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For many people, a market is their primary
source of income. A sitting the project may change customer traffic, increase
transportation costs, or require traders to rebuild their businesses from the
beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">These concerns are not simply emotional
reactions; they are practical economic issues. Families depend on daily trading
income to pay school fees, buy food, and meet household expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Recognising these realities is essential
for resolving conflicts fairly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Role of Communication<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Poor <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=communication+in+development+projects&bbid=8351913307657842898&bpid=6957719865071893340" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3Dcommunication%2Bin%2Bdevelopment%2Bprojects%26bbid%3D8351913307657842898%26bpid%3D6957719865071893340"></iframe></span>communication</a> is one of the most
common causes of conflict during development projects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When communities receive little
information, rumours often spread quickly. People may assume that decisions
have already been made behind closed doors or that certain groups are receiving
preferential treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfaT5SGe3/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a> demonstrates how
uncertainty can increase suspicion and deepen divisions within a community.
Open communication helps replace speculation with facts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Authorities should provide regular updates,
explain technical findings, answer questions honestly, and make relevant
information accessible to the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Listening Is as Important as Speaking<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Effective consultation is not simply about
informing people of decisions. It also requires listening carefully to the
concerns, experiences, and suggestions of those who will be affected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Community members often possess valuable
local knowledge about traffic patterns, environmental conditions, business
activities, cultural practices, and historical issues that technical experts
may overlook.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When this knowledge is incorporated into
planning, development projects become more practical and more widely accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Role of <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=role+of+traditional+leaders+in+community+development&bbid=8351913307657842898&bpid=6957719865071893340" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3Drole%2Bof%2Btraditional%2Bleaders%2Bin%2Bcommunity%2Bdevelopment%26bbid%3D8351913307657842898%26bpid%3D6957719865071893340"></iframe></span>Traditional Leaders</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Traditional authorities often play a vital
role in managing community conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Chiefs, queen mothers, and elders
understand local customs and enjoy the trust of many residents. They can help
bring together opposing groups, encourage respectful dialogue, and promote
peaceful solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61591567194485/posts/pfbid021hKyQFkhVUcwXS2wQxR14J5yRhWgJsnhLXAygxyd8ijmJLCTogsrtY3RR6FzhnFil/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a>, traditional
leadership serves as an important bridge between government institutions and
the community, demonstrating that development is strongest when both systems
work together.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Evidence Should Guide Decisions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Public opinion is important, but it should
be considered alongside <a class="b-tooltip-container" data-preview="" href="https://www.google.com/search?ved=1t:260882&q=credible+evidence+development+projects&bbid=8351913307657842898&bpid=6957719865071893340" target="_blank"><span class="b-tooltip" style="display: none;"><iframe src="/share-widget?w=poi&o=t&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fved%3D1t%3A260882%26q%3Dcredible%2Bevidence%2Bdevelopment%2Bprojects%26bbid%3D8351913307657842898%26bpid%3D6957719865071893340"></iframe></span>credible evidence</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Environmental studies, engineering
assessments, traffic analyses, economic impact evaluations, and social
assessments provide information that helps decision-makers understand the
likely consequences of different options.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The series highlights the importance of
independent technical reviews in ensuring that major public decisions are based
on facts rather than assumptions or political pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Finding Common Ground<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Conflict does not always produce winners
and losers. Through dialogue, communities can often identify solutions that
address the concerns of multiple stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Possible approaches include:<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">improving the design of a proposed market
site;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">implementing relocation in phases;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">providing better transport links;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">compensating affected businesses where
appropriate;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">preserving culturally significant sites;
and<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">establishing clear timelines and
communication channels.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Compromise does not mean abandoning
development. It means designing projects that achieve public objectives while
reducing unnecessary hardship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Building Trust for Future Development<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How leaders manage one development project
often influences public confidence in future initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Communities that experience transparent
decision-making, genuine consultation, and fair treatment are generally more
willing to support future development programmes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Conversely, projects characterised by
secrecy, poor communication, or perceived unfairness can leave lasting
divisions and reduce trust in public institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Lessons from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/61591567194485/posts/pfbid021hKyQFkhVUcwXS2wQxR14J5yRhWgJsnhLXAygxyd8ijmJLCTogsrtY3RR6FzhnFil/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The central lesson of Market of Promises is
that conflict is not necessarily a sign that development has failed. Instead,
conflict often reveals the importance of the issues at stake.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The series shows that disagreement can
become an opportunity for better planning, stronger community participation,
and more thoughtful leadership. By encouraging dialogue instead of
confrontation, communities are better able to identify solutions that serve the
broader public interest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Community conflict is a natural part of
many development projects because change affects people in different ways. The
challenge is not to eliminate disagreement but to manage it constructively.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Successful development requires transparent
leadership, meaningful public consultation, respect for traditional
institutions, careful use of evidence, and a genuine commitment to listening to
those who will be affected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="en-GH"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfaT5SGe3/" target="_blank">Market of Promises</a> reminds us that
development is not measured only by new buildings or infrastructure. It is also
measured by the extent to which communities remain united, informed, and
actively involved in shaping their own future.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>

COMMUNITY CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: TURNING DISAGREEMENT INTO PROGRESS

Development projects are intended to improve the lives of people by providing better infrastructure, creating jobs, and expanding economic...

Home SOCIAL STUDIES

Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 19 August 2023 / No comments

Let's navigate the regulatory sector: unveiling the functions of regulatory agencies

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Navigating
the Regulatory Sector: Unveiling the Functions of Regulatory Agencies</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Introduction</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the 21st-century governance environment, regulatory agencies play vital
roles in safeguarding the interests of the public. They maintain order and foster
economic stability. These bodies are important in shaping industries,
protecting consumers, and ensuring a just and equitable society. As such, they
serve as the engines that drive the implementation and enforcement of laws and
regulations. Regulatory agencies are organizations established to
oversee and enforce laws, regulations, and standards within specific industries
or sectors. They may be governmental or non-governmental.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
functions of regulatory bodies</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>The
making of rules</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
of the functions of regulatory agencies is to create and develop rules,
regulations, and standards that govern various aspects of their respective
industries. The rules, regulations, and standards promote public safety, ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and maintain
industry integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>The
enforcement of rules</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another
function of regulatory agencies is to monitor compliance with their rules and
regulations. It is said that people do what is inspected and not what is expected.
Rules and regulations may exist but it does not necessarily mean
people will abide by them. Once the rules, and regulations are established, the
agencies must monitor and ensure that people comply with the rules and
regulations. Regulatory agencies have the authority to investigate violations
and conduct inspections. If any of the rules and regulations are found to have
been infracted by individuals or organizations, the appropriate penalties or
sanctions are imposed on such.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Giving
out licenses and Permits</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again,
regulatory bodies exist to give licenses and permits. Vehicle licensing
authorities in various countries issue driver’s licenses to qualified drivers.
They register new vehicles and change ownership from one to a new one. They
issue road-worthy certificates to vehicle owners to indicate that their
vehicles are in good condition to ply the roads. In Ghana, the Vehicles and
Licensing Authority is the body tasked to regulate the issuance of licenses and
road-worthy certificates. The Federal Roads Safety Commission does the same in
Nigeria and the U.S., Many regulatory agencies issue licenses, permits, or
certifications to individuals or businesses that meet specific criteria. These
licenses often demonstrate a certain level of expertise or compliance with
industry standards. In Britain, the same function is performed by the Driver
& Vehicle Licensing Authority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Consumer
Protection</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Regulatory
agencies to protect consumers. They prevent unscrupulous producers from flooding
the markets with unsafe products. They set safety standards below which no
individual or organization must operate. If they suspect any foul play, the agencies may investigate any misconduct by an individual or
organization. If a consumer(s) complains about a product or service, they
ensure that the complaint is investigated and any wrongdoing addressed or
punished. The Office of Fair Trading is the United Kingdom’s official consumer and competition watchdog. They ensure that the
market works well for consumers. In Ghana, the Ghana Standards Authority ensures that goods produced for consumption
and export are of the highest quality. In Nigeria, the Federal Competition
& Consumer Protection Commission. Its task is to protect market competition
and promote consumer protection.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Telecommunications
and Media</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
the proliferation of media houses, mobile telephony, and the internet, the telecom sectors need to be regulated. Regulatory agencies in these
sectors oversee broadcast standards, spectrum allocation, and competition to
ensure fair access, quality, and diversity of media and communication services.
The National Communications Authority in Ghana, the Nigerian Communication
Commission in Nigeria, and the Federal Communication Commission in the United
States of America, to mention just a few, are responsible for regulating the
telecommunications sector in their respective countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Others</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Other areas regulated by regulatory agencies include Public
Health and Safety, Labor Standards, Transportation Regulation, Environmental
Protection, and Financial Regulation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Aller, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Conclusion</b></i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Aller",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
all the discussions above, it is abundantly clear that the influence of
regulatory agencies is encompassing. It touches every aspect of people's lives, in some cases, in very subtle ways. Regulatory agencies must balance the need for innovation and protection, though not
without challenges. While they may not always be perfect, their mission is
unwavering, and their dedication to the greater good is commendable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.virtualkollage.com" target="_blank"><<Back to Home Page</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/p/list-of-subjects.html?m=1" target="_blank">Go to the list of other subjects>></a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://virtualkollage.blogspot.com/p/social-studies_29.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Go to other topics in Social Studies</span></a><br /></p>

Let's navigate the regulatory sector: unveiling the functions of regulatory agencies

Navigating the Regulatory Sector: Unveiling the Functions of Regulatory Agencies Introduction In the 21st-century governance envir...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Thursday, 18 May 2023 / No comments

What are the beliefs associated with Ghanaian traditional marriage?

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TfTgjiQXRVO67PJOrO7fetmlMpJ3sSW4PoRyElmBJ9QybRUKrFfAu6zUj6laluC5PM7dYbA-a6xXs4PgsC6PcFt2NlQSWXLlqzg2w3LysKaVeuPiv4RmQ3VMFc8RfE2Ho3M-FzJFOgUIg78MgWe4IPye7ypcba7S-FoyCVaZRPAW8AN58ny9qe3BxQ/s290/beliefs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="290" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TfTgjiQXRVO67PJOrO7fetmlMpJ3sSW4PoRyElmBJ9QybRUKrFfAu6zUj6laluC5PM7dYbA-a6xXs4PgsC6PcFt2NlQSWXLlqzg2w3LysKaVeuPiv4RmQ3VMFc8RfE2Ho3M-FzJFOgUIg78MgWe4IPye7ypcba7S-FoyCVaZRPAW8AN58ny9qe3BxQ/s1600/beliefs.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT ARE THE BELIEFS ASSOCIATED WITH GHANAIAN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE?</b></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Introduction</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
act of marriage can be found in every culture including many cultures in Ghana.
In other words, marriage is a universal institution. This practice has been
there for many centuries. In many Ghanaian societies, traditional marriage is
an important part of the culture. It is grounded in their religious and social
beliefs. In order to have a sound understanding of the culture of many tribes
in Ghana, it is important to understand the beliefs related to it. In this
article, we will discuss the beliefs associated with traditional marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>THE
BELIEFS ASSOCIATED WITH TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE IN GHANA<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marriage
is considered a sacred union and highly respected in Ghana due to its strong
cultural and religious ties. In Ghanaian culture, marriage is seen as a
lifelong commitment between couples and is a way to honour the union of two
families. It is also seen as a way to strengthen the bond between two people,
and to create a safe and secure home. Additionally, marriage is highly
respected in Ghana because it is a religious covenant between two people, and
is seen as a reflection of God’s love. Marriage is seen as a way to honour God,
and to demonstrate a commitment to Him as well as each other. Ultimately,
marriage is seen as a sacred union in Ghana because it is the foundation of a
strong and stable family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
of the beliefs associated with marriage in Ghana is that it is a union between
a man and a woman. This is because the cultural values of the people lay
emphasis on the importance of family as the primary unit of the society. It is
believed, traditionally, that a man and a woman complement each other and that
marriage provides the bedrock of a stable family unit and society. Marriage
provides an avenue for the society to procreate and perpetuate the population
of the people unto infinity. Marriages are expected to produce children. From
this point of view, same sex marriage is not traditionally non-Ghanaian and
therefore frowned upon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJea2iQiPKWpSc94OxCMFeADNap8J5sAojCgqoiRmmcjHURQfWGt3_DGDFpXFrhqZqJXFd4ZM3U90qxhKojXqYpNX4tayLx_D5ClltD6Crf6Xseu5tUGtyY_qJy2RYwxMh8UXQhDS3_5q8E7V-bz4pRdJE3Al471zwS4EIKJjUkffRWGWuObx7Aqw6Q/s290/Love%20card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="290" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJea2iQiPKWpSc94OxCMFeADNap8J5sAojCgqoiRmmcjHURQfWGt3_DGDFpXFrhqZqJXFd4ZM3U90qxhKojXqYpNX4tayLx_D5ClltD6Crf6Xseu5tUGtyY_qJy2RYwxMh8UXQhDS3_5q8E7V-bz4pRdJE3Al471zwS4EIKJjUkffRWGWuObx7Aqw6Q/w400-h290/Love%20card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i style="font-size: large;"><b><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></i></span></p>Divorce
is unacceptable</b></i><p></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
Ghanaian societies, divorce is something that is generally accepted. No matter
how difficult the marriage has become, the enders try so much to prevent divorce.
The cultural belief is that divorce disrupts the family unit. If divorce
occurs, it is regarded as a failure, on the part of the couple, to uphold the vows
they took at the time of the marriage. The only time when divorce is accepted
is after all other attempts have failed and there is no other way of making the
couple stay together as husband and wife.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>It
creates and strengthen bonds between families</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Marriage
is also seen as a social institution, able to provide a foundation for strong,
healthy families. It also provides a secure environment for children. It also
creates a secure, loving environment for children, where they can feel safe and
loved, and can flourish, both emotionally and academically. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Women
are expected to be submissive to their husbands <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Traditionally,
men are considered as the breadwinners of the traditional Ghanaian home. For
this reason, the men are expected to provide for the home and to meet the needs
of the family. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be in charge of domestic
duties of the house and they have been expected to be trained by their mothers
for this role in the society. Women are therefore traditionally expected to
submit to their husbands. Today, the dynamics have changed, because women are
now able to work and able to contribute meaningfully, towards the upkeep of the
home and men are increasingly able to help in doing the chores at home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
Ghanaian traditional marriage, men are allowed to marry two or more women. In
the olden days, the man was expected to at least inform the wife about his
intentions to marry a second woman. Polygamy is therefore an accepted norm.
Today, the law allows the husband, who did not marry under the Ordinance Law,
to take a second or even third wives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
ancient times, before modernity, couples were expected to abstain from sex
until they were married. The were elaborate ceremonies to usher young girls
into puberty, to indicate to the society that the girls have attained the age
where they could be taken as brides. Part of the ceremony required the girls to
have been proven as virgins. It was taboo to find that a girl had known a man
before she was given in marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Traditional
beliefs in marriage is a well-established thing in Ghana. Marriage is a sacred
union between two families. The beliefs associated with traditional marriage,
like the importance of respecting elders, celebrating with family, and
upholding the values of honesty and loyalty, help to enrich the experience of
the union and bring a meaningful sense of community and belonging to the
couple. These beliefs, along with the rituals and customs of the traditional
marriage ceremony, make it a cherished and beloved part of Ghanaian culture.</span></span></p><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Also Read:</b></span></span></p><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2016/07/traditional-marriage.html" target="_blank">The importance of traditional marriage  in Ghana</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2018/04/why-it-is-importance-to-marry.html" target="_blank">Why is it important to marry</a><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.virtualkollage.com" target="_blank"><<Back to Home Page</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/p/social-studies_29.html" target="_blank">Go to other topics in Social Studies>></a><br /></p>

What are the beliefs associated with Ghanaian traditional marriage?

WHAT ARE THE BELIEFS ASSOCIATED WITH GHANAIAN TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE? Introduction The act of marriage can be found in every culture inclu...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 15 April 2023 / No comments

How are succession disputes contributing factors to the development of northern Ghana

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5HQxqqmpDXuiTxEe3Skr5A64gapBOzPzQdU20yzKvgB-Zxxn3bpBssjDl1jMiyPZpT1DTav0B_oLThthM4xpOl0ILlyIDCkpRFaj4mpp3Ec87XZiZmQe8_D2V-A67XE9QSvffq0u9AA8uDjMbnFaSIMGB4gyw6FDztIf1d4F9hV0bwNY7m6mQTzHxg/s453/no%20more%20war.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="453" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5HQxqqmpDXuiTxEe3Skr5A64gapBOzPzQdU20yzKvgB-Zxxn3bpBssjDl1jMiyPZpT1DTav0B_oLThthM4xpOl0ILlyIDCkpRFaj4mpp3Ec87XZiZmQe8_D2V-A67XE9QSvffq0u9AA8uDjMbnFaSIMGB4gyw6FDztIf1d4F9hV0bwNY7m6mQTzHxg/s320/no%20more%20war.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>HOW ARE SUCCESSION DISPUTES CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTHERN GHANA</b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Introduction <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the last 50 years, Northern
Ghana has become known as a place where deadly ethnic, land, and chieftaincy
battles happen. Even though these three main causes of conflict are all linked,
chieftaincy battles are by far the most common in the north as Drucker-Brown (1995)
observed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In northern Ghana, most chieftaincy
battles have been either inter-ethnic or intra-ethnic. Inter-ethnic battles
usually happen when two or more ethnic groups fight over who owns and controls
the land and the people who live there. These kinds of conflicts have happened
between the Kusasi and the Mamprusi, the Nanumba and the Konkomba, the Gonja
and the Vagala and the Konkomba, Nawuri, Nchumuru, and Basare. Intra-ethnic
disputes, on the other hand, take the form of the same ethnic group or smaller
groups like the clan or the family fighting over claims to chieftaincy titles.
For example, the battle for the high traditional office in Wa and Dagbon has
led to fierce fighting leading to loss of lives and property running into
several thousands of dollars (MacGaffey, 2006). The Gonjas and the Mamprusi have
also fought over who was the most powerful chief. In societies with the
two-gate<a href="file:///C:/Users/ADMIN/Downloads/Divine%20Studies/Introduction%20Dzokot.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
setup, intra-ethnic disputes usually happen when members of one gate think that
they were skipped over by another gate, which goes against the rule that the
chieftaincy post should be passed between the different gates (clans) in the
ethnic group. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Implication of Chieftaincy Succession conflict for Development <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is an on-going debate about
whether the difference between warring and non-conflict communities is the
product of conflict or of other factors connected with both conflict and low
development. Several studies have found that conflict has a lot of influence on
development. We discuss how some of these chieftaincy disputes can impact
development for communities involved in the same. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrDby9cuS3sUeGi5g7fsENgkVTRLCSiwKH_2E8rOBxe0IqRbXCV4akIKLOaewt1rNdt912fLqutQLW7Lq6H9OHPdWwx7jUKvcJ2pU-TfnL0WwmUi8VkuxhcUQiZ4NUBqE6x_VGVZJvzPDMpEOHGraZRjcXuH_b_OSLjKVpw9KV_9LSSn_YxvthVAGpQ/s624/battle%20field.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="624" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrDby9cuS3sUeGi5g7fsENgkVTRLCSiwKH_2E8rOBxe0IqRbXCV4akIKLOaewt1rNdt912fLqutQLW7Lq6H9OHPdWwx7jUKvcJ2pU-TfnL0WwmUi8VkuxhcUQiZ4NUBqE6x_VGVZJvzPDMpEOHGraZRjcXuH_b_OSLjKVpw9KV_9LSSn_YxvthVAGpQ/w400-h217/battle%20field.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Loss of community human capital</b></i></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The greatest cost of the war has
been the lives lost. Many people lost their lives in each of these wars. Many
people died in the Yendi battle, the most notable incident being the death of
the Yaa Naa, the Overlord of Dagbo, and forty of his chiefs in 2001.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In their 2003 study, "Civil
Wars Kill and Maim People—Long After the Shooting Stops," Ghobarah, Huth,
and Russett contend that civil wars have long-term impacts on civilian
suffering. According to the World Health Organization's measure of Disability
Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), the additional burden of mortality and disability
imposed by community disputes and violent clashes is approximately double that
of the immediate and direct effects. The fundamental reason is that internal community
armed conflicts, which are common with Chieftaincy Succession Conflicts (CSC), increase
disease exposure, impede access to medical care, and damage health
infrastructure. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Impoverished population <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While the battles rage on, many
residents in conflict zones become impoverished. Infants and little children
are especially exposed to the effects of violence. Poverty, child mortality,
lack of access to safe drinking water, and a lack of education all deprive
children of key components for human development and economic growth. Water
shines up as an important aspect. All other community development objectives are
hampered by a lack of access to safe drinking water. Waterborne illness,
particularly diarrhea, is lethal. A prolonged lack of access to proper water
sources can induce brain injury, impair cognitive development with long-term
implications for community capacity for progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Communities are starved of
resources spent on the resolving the conflict and maintain peace </i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Efforts made to resolve community
disputes invariably cost money. These monies, if invested in other areas of
development, such as building communal infrastructure, could see communities
make greater strides towards infrastructural development. Closely related to
conflict resolution is peace maintenance which can take up huge state and
community resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>When conflict
begins, military and police detachments are often sent to the conflict zone.
These personnel must be fed, and materials for their operations provided.
Clearly, this is money that might have gone towards other areas of growth. For
instance, in 2002, $9 million was spent on troops stationed in Dagbon to
keep the peace. This amount represented approximately the cost of building
twenty-four 6-classroom blocks, 17 community health posts and 3 Community
50-seater libraries, according to the Ministry of Works and Housing project
estimates. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLK30MaV_buKL1PfdyWCMV_STbnmaMv6spc2TtetD0uAwK83tDIpAKeysxr31XdYUbtPfpRVa-Fc3FvFhzN8ROtt0-bL7ZvRPyQQKnBKLmklotmQ2NFn5qMWJPwm2KmX1HYSRU5f9vy4amrqm61oxi9kzrbZnTHERvBavtaSx6KKsfM-vz9F5UQiLhw/s509/gun%20shots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="509" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLK30MaV_buKL1PfdyWCMV_STbnmaMv6spc2TtetD0uAwK83tDIpAKeysxr31XdYUbtPfpRVa-Fc3FvFhzN8ROtt0-bL7ZvRPyQQKnBKLmklotmQ2NFn5qMWJPwm2KmX1HYSRU5f9vy4amrqm61oxi9kzrbZnTHERvBavtaSx6KKsfM-vz9F5UQiLhw/w400-h268/gun%20shots.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Limited communal development activities</b></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Many community developments are
obtained through mobilizing local communities. It becomes challenging to rally
people for community improvement when war is raging. More often than not, a
precarious position is created in which every attempt to rally people towards a
developmental end might be interpreted as an overt claim to power. In the midst
of violent chieftaincy conflict, it could be impossible to maintain the
progress made toward constructing a community hospital via collective effort
and mobilization. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Negative environmental Impact <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It should also be remembered that
many of the impacts of armed chieftaincy disputes have never been quantified.
The environmental effect of chieftaincy conflicts is one such unquantifiable
impact. There are few markers that allow for a systematic comparison of this
consequence. Various studies have indicated, however, that communities have had
to deal with high levels of carbon monoxide in the air as a result of
retaliatory arson, inadequate sanitation, and a significant quantity of
pollutants. Chieftaincy succession issues in Ghana have paved the way for
illicit logging, unregulated exploitation of environmental resources and a
total breakdown in aspects of environmental protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>

</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />

<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/ADMIN/Downloads/Divine%20Studies/Introduction%20Dzokot.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
Gates refers to the groupings decided either by family lineage or right to
inheritance <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.virtualkollage.com/" target="_blank"><<Back to Home Page</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/p/social-studies_29.html" target="_blank">Go to the list of other topics in Social Studies</a><br /></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="http://www.virtualkollage.com/p/list-of-subjects.html" target="_blank">Back to the list of other subjects>></a><br /></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><br /></p>

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How are succession disputes contributing factors to the development of northern Ghana

HOW ARE SUCCESSION DISPUTES CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTHERN GHANA Introduction In the last 50 years, Northern Ghana ha...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday, 20 February 2019 / No comments

The responsibilities and duties of an African child in an African home

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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="Children Of Uganda, Uganda, Mbale, Kids" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/04/20/10/12/children-of-uganda-2245270__340.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF AN AFRICAN CHILD AT HOME<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Introduction</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In every family setting, whether it is nuclear or extended
family, it is not only the father or the mother that has obligations and
responsibilities to carry. The children are also expected to perform specific functions and some of these functions are discussed below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF CHILDREN</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Respect for authority<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first and, maybe the foremost responsibility of children at
home toward their parents is to be respectful. As children who have been well
trained by their parents, they are expected to abide by the rules and
regulations that have been instituted by their parents for the proper upkeep
and running of the house. Loyalty and faithfulness to their parents is a must.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>The performance of domestic chores</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another function of the children is to help in the
performance of household chores. There are different types of work to be
performed in the house from the morning till the time people go to sleep. When
the children are young, these functions are performed by the mother or the
father or any other older person who is staying at home at the time. When the
children are of age, it is expected that they help their parents to perform the same duties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><img alt="Family, Children, Mother, Motherhood" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/09/27/11/48/family-2791811__340.jpg" /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Taking care of younger siblings and running errands<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, the children are expected to take care of their younger
siblings when their parents are away. There are several occasions when parents
have to leave the home to attend a funeral, a marriage ceremony, and visit family members in distant lands where they cannot carry the younger ones along.
There are times too when parents could decide to quickly go to the farm to pick
a few foodstuffs for the family and may not wish to take the younger ones there.
It is the duty of the children to help take care of these younger ones while
their parents are away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Offering economic support</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another function the children are expected to perform in the
house is to help the parents in whatever they are doing. In the past, parents
were farmers, hunters, blacksmiths, carpenters, and fishermen, just to mention
a few. It is the duty of the children to help their father in their profession.
One of the benefits of this approach is that the children are trained to take
their parents profession. Today, because of education, most o the children are in school and come home sometimes very late. However, parents expect them to give a helping hand from time time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Affection<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Children are expected to show love
and companionship and pay attention to their parents especially when they seem to be emotionally down. It is never in the place of the child to seen to be openly hostile to his or her parents. No matter the level of provocation, a child is expected to hold his or her anger or display of same.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Be of good behaviour</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How the children of an African family is viewed in the eyes of the public is very important to many parents. For that reason, parents expect their children to put good bahaviour when they find themselves in the public domain. Parents can scold or even severely punish their children for misbehaving towards an older member of the community. The ward may even be compelled to go and apologize to the one they offended. The parents must be seen in the eyes of the public to correcting their wards when they go wrong.</div>
<br />
<b>ALSO READ:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-a-father-or-husband-in-a-West-African-setting.html" target="_blank">The responsibilities of a husband</a><br />
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-wife-in-an-African-home.html" target="_blank">The responsibilities o a wife</a><br />
<br />
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The responsibilities and duties of an African child in an African home

THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF AN AFRICAN CHILD AT HOME Introduction In every family setting, whether it is nuclear or extended ...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 9 February 2019 / No comments

The roles and responsibilities of a wife (woman) in an African home

The roles and responsibilities of a wife (woman) in an African home

THE ROLES RESPONSIBILITIES OF A WIFE IN AN AFRICAN HOME Introduction The responsibilities of the wife in an African family are mai...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Sunday, 3 February 2019 / No comments

The roles and responsibilities of the father (husband) in a West African setting

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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Couple, African, Love, Man, Woman" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/01/30/00/07/couple-254683__340.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FATHER (HUSBAND) IN A WEST
AFRICAN SETTING</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Introduction</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In many societies of the world, men have certain
responsibilities placed on them as the leaders, front role players or
bread-winners of the family. In Africa and in fact in West Africa, the ability
of the man to carry out these obligations determines how the members of the
family regard him and how much respect the larger society places him. The ability to take care of one’s family is an obligation that is
considered to be primary in West Africa. A man who is unable to perform his
role as a father is regarded as irresponsible. Some of the specific
responsibilities and obligations of a father or husband are discussed in the paragraphs below.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;">OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FATHER (HUSBAND)</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Physical and financial needs</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the major functions of a husband in most West African
societies is to serve as the sole bread-winner. It is his responsibility to
provide food or the money to do so. He is to ensure that there is a roof over the
head of the family at all times. He has to make sure that the family is
clothed. In addition, he pays bills such as electricity, water and internet
connectivity if possible. As the head of the house, he has to make sure that
the children are in school. This means he has to pay their school fees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Socialization of the child</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another very important obligation of the husband is to ensure
that the children are well brought up to fit into the norms and practices of
the family and the traditions of the entire society. A father is considered as
having failed if he is not able to raise good children. A wayward child is seen
as the failure of the father.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Silhouette, Sorry, Forgive, Angry" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/08/01/20/17/silhouette-3578066__340.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband and wife quarrelling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Ensuring discipline at home</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As part of the process of socializing the children, the
father is responsible for disciplining the members of the household and making
sure there is peace in the house at all times. This in many cases also includes
the wife. A husband must ensure that the wife is well behaved, not quarrelling
with other members of the neighbourhood, being disrespectful to the husband and creating troubles all the time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the duty of the father to maintain law
and order in the house at all times using the concept of reward and punishment. He rewards
good behaviour and punishes bad conduct. He uses the carrot and big stick
approach where he is a father and a disciplinarian at the same time.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Play the part of a role model</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another duty of the father is to serve as a role model for the
family. As part of his function to ensure discipline at home, he is expected to
show the way. Children generally learn from their parents so they watch what the
parents do and see it as the best way things are done. Good conduct from a
father, therefore, is the surest way of ensuring that children behave well. A
child who sees his parents always quarrelling may think that is the best way
spouses behave and might imbibe it into his or her psyche. The husband or the
father is therefore expected to live a positive life that is worthy of emulation.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Discipline</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The power to discipline children is vested in the man. When a
child misbehaves, therefore, the mother awaits the return of the father if he is not around that very moment and
reports the bad conduct of the child to the husband. The husband is expected to
punish the child. He may decide to just give a warning. A man who constantly fails
to mete out punishment to an erring child is seen as a weak father. In West
Africa, the rod would not be spared but in middle-class societies today, alternative ways
are used to discipline the children. An example is to ground them for a period
of time.</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Woman, Happiness, Sunrise, Silhouette" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/12/16/22/25/woman-570883__340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woman in a happy mood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Provision of the sexual and emotional needs of the wife</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is the expectation of the society that the sexual needs of the wife
is met and this duty falls on the husband to perform. The reason is that this
is the only way in which the sexual needs of the wife can be legitimately satisfied.
A man who constantly fails to perform this duty could be reported to the elders
of the family and he is expected to be called to order. Also when the woman is
emotionally down, it is the duty of the husband to cheer her up and make her
happy.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Procreation</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Attached to the function of providing the sexual needs of the
wife is the ability to produce children. Though a husband does not have
absolute control over whether he produces children or not, the society expects
that once he gets married, he should father children. The primary aim of this
expectation is to ensure the perpetuity of the society where those die and
leave are replaced by the newly born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>ALSO READ:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/01/the-major-functions-of-family.html" target="_blank">The functions of a family</a></span></div>
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-extended-family-system.html" target="_blank">The advantages and disadvantages of the extended family system</a><br />
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/01/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-nuclear-family-system.html" target="_blank">The advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear family system</a><br />
<br />
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The roles and responsibilities of the father (husband) in a West African setting

THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FATHER (HUSBAND) IN A WEST AFRICAN SETTING Introduction In many societies of the world, men ...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 2 February 2019 / No comments

The advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interesting, Village, Cultural, African" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/25/06/58/interesting-1221420__340.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Definition</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">An extended family can be defined as that type of family in
which there are fathers, mothers, grandmothers, grandfathers, brothers,
sisters, and cousins. In fact, in an extended family, one can find a number of
nuclear families. An extended family goes beyond just a father, mother, and
children. In some extreme cases, the number of members in an extended family
can run into hundreds and a small community could be made up of first, second
and many distant cousins.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">ADVANTAGES OF EXTENDED FAMILY</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Source of security for members</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the advantages of an extended family system is the
kind of security it offers to the members of the family. The adage that there
is protection in numbers comes to play in a situation like this. In an extended
family, for example, members believe that they have people on whom they can
count on in times of trouble and even in good times. One of the occasions on
which numbers count is during funerals or weddings. On occasions like this, the
bereaved family or the couple has people to help in organizing the occasion to
ensure it succeeds.</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>It engenders unity in society</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another advantage of the extended family system is the way it
brings about unity in the entire community by virtue of unity in the family.
The blood relationship that exists among all the cousins, sisters, brothers,
mothers, fathers, etc., brings about peace and this peace leads to unity that
extends into the larger society.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Support from family members</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It has also been observed that in times of financial or
emotional crisis, the members of the family are able to secure help from
wealthier and older family members. A boy qualifies for the university but the
biological father cannot pay the fees. An uncle could volunteer to sponsor the
education of that person. A sister is about to get married and all the brothers
and cousins come together to offer help both financially and in kind. A man
could die leaving the children with no inheritance or support. The uncles and
aunties could take over and raise the children on behalf of the deceased brother.
This cannot be found in a nuclear family system.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Socialization is accomplished by more people</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">n extended family, the children are brought up not only
by the biological parents but also by other older members of the family such as
aunties and uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers. One benefit of this way of
raising children is that the children are brought up to fit into the larger
community or society. The tendency toward waywardness is drastically reduced.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="Interesting, Village, Cultural, African" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/25/06/53/interesting-1221399__340.jpg" /></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12pt;">THE DISADVANTAGES OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Some family members become lazy</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the disadvantages of the extended family system is
that some members tend to exhibit lazy attitudes towards life. Some members think
that since uncles and aunties are there to give support, they can sit down and
do no work. Some are eager to inherit their uncles and sometimes even wish them
dead before their time is due.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Struggle over who inherits what                                                                                               </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another disadvantage of an extended family system is that
quarrels result after the death of a member concerning who gets what part of
his or her estate. While a rich member is still alive, some family members begin
to target particular properties of theirs to get hold of when they eventually
die. This does not augur well for the unity of the family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Interference in marriages and other relationships</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Also, the extended family system is such that sometimes people
have to live together in family houses. Consequently, people have the
opportunity to pass comments on the good or bad behaviours of other members.
This may sometimes lead to quarrels. There is also open interference in the
marriages of couples living within the family compound. Some are openly
encouraged to get a divorce. This may affect negatively a marriage that could otherwise
have been successful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa, African" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/01/21/04/kliptown-1174403__340.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>There is too much burden on a few individuals</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In an extended family system, there is always an unwritten code
that the well to do must take care of the less fortunate. It is almost a crime
for a rich member of the family to refuse to help another member of the family.
This puts a lot of financial pressure on the rich members of the family. It
sometimes even leads some family members to engage in corrupt practices in
order to be able to continue to support their own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Misplaced leadership roles</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Last but not least, in an extended family system, leadership
can sometimes be determined by how deep a person’s pocket is. Some members are
influenced by the largess they get from a rich member and therefore are wont to
accord that rich member more respect that the natural leaders of the family.</span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>ALSO READ:</b></div>
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/01/the-major-functions-of-family.html" target="_blank">The major functions of a family</a><br />
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The advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF AN EXTENDED FAMILY Definition An extended family can be defined as that type of family in whic...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday, 30 January 2019 / No comments

The advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear family system

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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>ADVANTAGES OF AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE NUCLEAR FAMILY SYSTEM</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Definition of a nuclear family <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The composition of a nuclear family is confined only to the
father, mother and the children of the couple. In some cases, though, children
could be adopted and incorporated into the biological children of the couple.
In some cases, a nuclear family can also be called the conjugal family. At
other times, it could be called the natural family or the primary. It could also
be called by other names such as an elementary family or conjugal family. The
nuclear family system can further be compartmentalized into a family of
orientation and the family into which an individual is born and raised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>THE ADVANTAGES OF A NUCLEAR FAMILY<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Reduces the responsibility of couples<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the advantages of a nuclear family system is that
there is a drastically reduced responsibility on the father and the mother.
Unlike the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>extended family system where
other cousins, uncles, and aunties, to mention a few requirements to be catered for
by one or two people in the family, the nuclear family system restricts itself
to the care of only the immediate members such as the wife and children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Decision-making <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another advantage of the nuclear family system is that it
allows for decisions to be arrived at more easily and quickly. The two major
players in the taking of any decision are the man and his wife. The opinions of
the children may be sought in some cases but ultimately, the decision is for
the parents. Since there are only two of them it is easy and quicker to decide.
Other members of the extended family are not allowed to have a say in what is
decided in the homes of the nuclear family so decision making is quicker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Parents are free to train their children<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is also an advantage of the nuclear family system that the
parents have a free hand in the upbringing of their own children without undue
interference from the members of the extended family. Parents are properly able
to control their children and direct such children in the way they think would
be beneficial to them. Counter-command and instructions that may emanate from
other members of the extended family are drastically reduced, allowing the
parents to effectively impact their children to fit into the larger society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Sharing inheritance is less problematic<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a nuclear family, after the death of one spouse, it is
easy to share the properties of the deceased among the survivors. This is so
because the only people to inherit the properties of the deceased are the
surviving spouse and the children if there were any. As is obvious, there is
no extended family member to wrestle with any nuclear family member for the
possession of the deceased’s properties. This way, the usual confrontation
among members of the family when death occurs, is completely eliminated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><img alt="Sibling, Children, Family, Child" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/11/04/17/27/sibling-1023003__340.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>DISADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR FAMILY<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Parents become lonely in old-age<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One disadvantage of the nuclear family system is that the
parents may become very lonely when they become older. This is the time when
all the children become older, get married or move on with their life’s
passions. In some cases, the children may neglect the needs of their parents,
rather concentrating on the needs of their own children. The support system
that is common with the extended family is absent. It may become worst when one
of the spouses dies leaving the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Absence of external support<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a nuclear family system, the children are not privileged
to have the support of their uncles, aunts, grandparents and other members of
the extended family. This happens because they are shielded from having adequate
contact with the extended family by their own parents and are therefore not
able to build any meaningful and lasting rapport with the extended family. For
this reason, when an unforeseen situation happen in their lives and they need
any member of the extended family to guide them about what to do, such people
backpedal leaving the children to sort out their own issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Offers little or no security<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The members of a nuclear family are not secured in the
absence of members of the extended family. The major breadwinner of a nuclear
family may lose his or her job and may, therefore, be able to provide the
financial support that he or she usually provided. In worse case scenarios, the
breadwinner may die and the surviving spouse may not be able to continue
providing the kind of lifestyle they are used to. In such situations, the
members of the extended family are unwilling to step in as would have been the
case if it was an extended family system. Such children may drop out of school
and even sometimes become wayward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boy, Child, Dad, Daughter, Family" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/01/31/15/31/boy-2025099__340.png" /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Inability to transfer traditional values<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a nuclear family, only the parents are present to do the
socialization of the children. In some cases, it is the school teachers who
socialize the children. In a situation like this, the children are not able to
imbibe the norms and values of the community where they come from. The
transmission of the culture and values of the tribe where they come from is
affected. The children become strangers among their own kinsmen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Loneliness and boredom<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The couple may suffer loneliness and boredom when no children
are born into the family. Though the couple can cope with loneliness by giving
emotional support to each other, this is not always so when they grow old. They
may not be able to manage their needs when there are no children lending
support from time to time. In Africa where the concept of “Home for the aged”
is not popular, the support mechanism for such nuclear families may be
inadequate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Problems with discipline<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last but not least, the children of a nuclear family may have
problems with discipline. Especially in middle-class families where both
parents are busy working and building their careers, they may not be able to
create enough time to be with their children and offer the necessary guideline
and discipline that the children require. Children from nuclear families may
have a tendency to become wayward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>SAMPLE QUESTION(S)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. a. Define family</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">    b. Explain four advantages and four disadvantages of a nuclear family</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<b>ALSO READ:</b><br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/01/the-major-functions-of-family.html" target="_blank">The major functions of the family</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-extended-family-system.html" target="_blank">The advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system</a><br />
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The advantages and disadvantages of the nuclear family system

ADVANTAGES OF AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE NUCLEAR FAMILY SYSTEM Definition of a nuclear family The composition of a nuclear famil...

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Posted by Chester Morton / Tuesday, 29 January 2019 / No comments

There are several reasons why your family is very important

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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS WHY YOUR FAMILY IS VERY IMPORTANT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Introduction</i>  </b>           
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Africa especially, and in many parts of the world for that
matter, the family is seen as the cradle of society. A family can be
defined as a group of people who are affiliated by blood, marriage or adoption.
In ancient days, when a slave is purchased, that slave or his/her descendants
may be seen as members of the family. The family plays a very major role in
society and some of them are discussed below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FUNCTIONS OF THE
FAMILY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Gives identity to the individual<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the basic functions of the family is to give a member
the required identity. Every child who was born of a woman belongs to a family
and that family must accept him/her into the family. One of the ways in which a
child is accepted into the family is for the child to be named. Once a child is
named by the father, mother or an elder member of the family, that child gains
an identity of the family he/she is born into. The society can now
point exactly which family a person belongs to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>The perpetuation of family through reproduction<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another major function of the family is to ensure that the
members do not become extinct. This is achieved through procreation. It is a
basic function of the members of the family to get married or be married off in
order to give birth to other members. The basic reason is to ensure that those
members of the family who die or get lost mysteriously are replaced. As a
consequence of this, where a member dies without leaving an offspring, the
woman is given off to a brother to produce babies. Barrenness is therefore not
an acceptable condition in an African setting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="People, Three, Portrait, Black" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/01/24/19/49/people-3104635__340.jpg" /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Nurturing of younger members of the family<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another major function of the family is to nurture the
younger members of the family to be able to fit into the norms of the family
and the larger society as a whole. In every society, individuals are expected
to behave according to the norms of society. The family serves as a place
where the younger members of the society are tutored, trained and generally
nurtured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Assurance of law and order<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is the function of the family to build the foundations of
members of the family to become law-abiding members of the larger society. This
is achieved through the institution of certain basic laws and ensuring that
they are adhered to by members of the family. These basic laws in the family
are not dissimilar to the laws that pertain in the society at large, so the ability of a member of the family to adhere to such laws at home (within the
family) ensures that they able to adhere to the laws of the society, thus
contributing to the maintenance of law and order in society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Provision of physical needs<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of the basic needs of the members of the family
include, but is not limited to food, clothing, and shelter. It is the primary
responsibility of the family to provide all these material items of importance.
It is also the duty of the family to ensure that when a member of the family
become indisposed, medication is sought for and provided to that member of
family. If a family member dies through sickness and the larger society finds
out that the family did not make any attempt to get him or her healing, the head
of the family could be hauled before the clan chief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Family, Sunset, Beach, Happiness, Summer" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/08/15/37/family-2611748__340.jpg" /></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Provision of emotional needs<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One other function of the family towards a member is the offer
emotional support. A member must feel loved and secured as a member. He must
receive the necessary care from the other members of the family. He or she must
win the respect of member and in turn, show maximum respect to other members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Provides a sense of security<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is also a function of the family to provide security for
the members. One of the ways of doing this is to ensure that no member of the
family is subjected to any physical harm by another member of the family or by
an outsider. Apart from physical harm the family also ensures that members do
not come under any negative influence that can lead waywardness within the
larger society. For example, if a stranger enters a house and asks of a member
of the family, they usually want to know the reason why you are looking for
that member of the family. If the stranger’s mission is not too clear, no one would
tell where that particular member of the family is. This arrangement and basic norm
of protecting the members of the family gives them a sense of security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>ALSO READ:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-extended-family-system.html" target="_blank">The advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/01/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-nuclear-family-system.html" target="_blank">The advantages and disadvantages of a nuclear family system</a><br />
<a href="https://www.virtualkollage.com/2019/02/the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-a-father-or-husband-in-a-West-African-setting.html" target="_blank">The roles and responsibilities of a husband</a><br />
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There are several reasons why your family is very important

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