Contemporary families in Nigeria and the socialization of the youths: implication for counseling

Abstract

The paper discusses the family as the basic unit of society, and how the family can facilitate the socialization of Nigerian youths by enhancing or inhibiting it. The paper looked at the roles the family plays in binding its members together for the smooth growth of the society at large. It also addresses the changing roles in the family system which is manifested through marital conflicts, women abandoning their roles as housekeepers for gainful employment, deterioration in morals, and child labour among others. However, the paper believes that guidance and counseling both in school and non-school setting can help curb this menace through family reorientation, value based counseling and mass media. Some recommendations were made to include teaching of good morals and the basic skills of hard work and discipline through monitoring and mentoring the youths.

Keywords: Contemporary families, Socialization, Counseling, Youths