Migration and the Orthodox Family: Reflections on Declining Solidarity and Weakening Family Ties in Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Using information gathered from a systematic desk review the paper examined the relationship between migration and the family based on the the fact that such movement has become part of life in Nigeria given the level of economic hardship that has befallen Nigerians in the recent past.. The high level of international migration even though often supported actively by families of migrants has ironically affected the family as a traditionally close knit social unit. As the paper argues, migration has eroded family solidarity and weakened family ties in Nigeria. Therefore, the paper argues for improvements in economic opportunities in Nigeria in order to curb unnecessary migration and the repositioning of the family to tackle the new challenges imposed by migration of members.