Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Family Structure in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the impacts of industrial revolution on the family structure in Nigeria Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The results show that there has been a change of family structure since the pre industrialization era and the post industrialization era. The historical process of industrialization changed the ways in which families were structured and interacted. Family bonding are decreasing and divorce rate is increasing rapidly. These shift not only affected the roles of spouses and parents but also those of children. Industrialization changed gender roles and Enlightenment philosophies that inspired new ideals of equality, personal freedom, and individualism. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The modernization theory, Talcott Parsons’ theory and the classic sociological theory may be used to anchor future studies in the sociology sector. The study results will also benefit other stakeholders such as the policy makers as well as researchers and scholars from different parts of the world. The top management of both public and private industries in the country will also use the study findings to improve families and ensure high and stable performance in all their activities and programs. The study recommends that the adoption of effective social protection development policies in the family structure will help to improve efficiency in their major operations and activities.