A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ROLES OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY: NIGERIA AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Abstract

Children, deeply rooted in families, through blood ties or adoption are crucial assets for society's future. They inherit responsibilities and roles influenced by cultural norms and societal expectations. These roles, essential for familial and communal harmony, contribute positively to children's psychological and social adaptation as they navigate through life. However, socio-economic and industrial shifts have altered these roles, and have spurred diverse family setups, altering children's roles within them. The interaction between Nigeria and the United States of America (USA) has facilitated cultural exchange and redefined children's roles. While Nigeria traditionally upheld clear roles for children, the advent of technology and educational emphasis has led to a re-evaluation of these roles. Employing a doctrinal library-based methodology, this paper offers a comparative analysis of children's roles in Nigeria and the USA. It reveals that Nigerian traditional roles have evolved due to acculturation, social media influence, and the 'japa' phenomenon. The paper advocates for the implementation of policies aimed at educating parents and guardians about the significance of children's roles, balancing traditional values with the positive aspects borrowed from the USA. The paper suggests further research on defining child roles to promote societal growth and development. It suggests that religious communities should promote these roles, and national policies should encourage children's roles within families. It emphasizes the importance of families as primary architects of future generations.