The Trajectory Of Family Change In Nigeria

Using data from the 1990 Demographic and Health Survey at Nigeria, this study examines ethnic differences in demographic characteristics of the family. Age differences are used to assess interethnic differences in the rate of change. Age patterns suggest fundamental change including delayed marriage, lower rates of polygamy, shorter delays in the interval between birth and the resumption of sexual intercourse, growing acceptability of contraceptive use, a less fateful approach to family size, and a decline in ideal family size. These changes are notably absent in one major group, however. The Hausa, who are the dominant group in Northern Nigeria, appear relatively immune from forces sweeping the remainder of the country. Structural changes such as educational expansion and urbanization which influence family change are also not evident among the Hausa. These differences imply growing ethnic and regional cleavage in p. country that is already deeply divided.