DWINDLING IMPACT OF KINSHIP/EXTENDED FAMILY SYSTEM AMONG THE NDIGBOS OF SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

The institution of kinship arises from the fact that some members of the community are more closely related than others. Kinship provides the framework of social relationship. Kinship means relationship of the individual with the other members due to either a bond of marriage, adoption or through blood. Kinship bonds are very strong in Igbo land. Kinship begins with nuclear family. Kinship takes its base from mother and father- children relationship. This is the foundation of other relationships among the Igbos. It is basically a social relationship. Kinship is extra familial organization relevant to traditional societies. Kinship system in Igbo Land serves the needs of man. As culture changes, norms and values built round the kinship system also tend to change over time. This paper investigates the impact of dwindling kinship system among the Ndigbo of South Eastern Nigeria. The impact of capitalism, and such related forces of Modernization, Industrialization, Urbanization, Transportation and Communication and Western Education, have all tended to effect great changes in the socio-cultural life of the Igbos. This work analyses the dwindling influence/impact of the kinship/Extended family system among the Ndigbos. Towards this goal, this work covers the introduction, changes and trends of the kinship /extended family system among the Ndigbos, factors militating against the impacts of the kinship/extended family system, consequences of the dwindling influences of the kinship/extended family system and conclusion.