Background of the study
Extended family systems have long been a cornerstone of social organization in many African communities, providing a framework for social support, cultural transmission, and moral education. In Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, the extended family is pivotal in nurturing the moral development of youths. Through intergenerational interactions, storytelling, and the practice of communal values, extended families impart lessons on ethics, responsibility, and respect. Recent literature has underscored the importance of extended kin networks in reinforcing traditional values and serving as a protective factor against deviant behavior (Okon, 2023; Udo, 2024). The influence of extended family systems on youth moral development is especially critical in contexts where formal educational and social systems may be inadequate. This study examines the role of extended families in shaping the moral compass of young people, exploring how cultural practices and familial structures contribute to the development of ethical standards. By integrating qualitative data from family interviews and community observations, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the interplay between extended family dynamics and youth moral development in contemporary society (Ene, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the recognized importance of extended family systems in moral socialization, there is limited empirical research on how these structures specifically influence youth moral development in Uyo. The rapid modernization and urbanization in the area have led to changes in family structures, with many nuclear families emerging at the expense of extended kinship networks. This shift raises concerns about the potential erosion of traditional moral values and the weakening of the social safety nets that extended families provide. Moreover, the evolving social landscape presents challenges for the transmission of cultural norms and ethical behaviors from older to younger generations. There is an urgent need to understand how these changes affect youth moral development and what strategies can be adopted to preserve the positive influences of extended family systems (Akanbi, 2023).
Objectives of the study
To assess the role of extended family systems in youth moral development.
To examine the cultural practices that contribute to moral socialization within extended families.
To suggest strategies for reinforcing traditional moral values amidst changing family structures.
Research questions
How do extended family systems influence youth moral development in Uyo?
What cultural practices within extended families contribute to ethical socialization?
How can extended family systems be strengthened to support youth moral development?
Research Hypotheses
Extended family systems have a significant positive effect on youth moral development.
Cultural practices within extended families are directly correlated with higher moral standards among youths.
Strengthening extended family ties leads to improved ethical behavior in young people.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides insights into the vital role of extended family systems in fostering youth moral development. The findings will inform community leaders, educators, and policymakers on how to preserve and enhance traditional family practices in the face of modernization, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of the youth (Okeke, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to assessing the effect of extended family systems on youth moral development in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. It does not extend to other factors influencing moral development or regions outside the local context, and is based on interviews and observations within selected communities.
Definitions of terms
Extended family systems: Family structures that extend beyond the nuclear family to include grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Youth moral development: The process through which young individuals acquire values, ethics, and social norms that guide their behavior.
Moral socialization: The process by which individuals learn and internalize societal standards of right and wrong.
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