MODERNIZATION AND WIDOWHOOD PRACTICE IN ABRIBA, OHAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE

Abstract

Most African indigenous androcentric societies express their displeasure at the changes brought about by modernization. For instance, members of the Abriba community, especially the older generation, consider the changes/alterations experienced in the marriage institution as a decline in cultural values: one not marrying outside one’s clan. This attitude is a good example of how gender relations have construed society. At a second look and consideration of such displeasure, in the light of social change and modernization, one is forced to ask whether the changes that occur daily in our indigenous societies are actually of negative effect. Using percentages to analyze data got through a simple random technique this study discusses the effects of modernization on widowhood practices in Abriba and discovers that most marriageable girls in Abriba as a result of the obnoxious widowhood practices in Abriba and exposure to forces of modernization marry outside their ethnic group contrary to what was obtainable in Abriba before now. This is simply a reflection of male dominant structures that suppress women’s assertion. While highlighting the socio-economic effects of such changes on Abriba society, it recommends that Abriba people should abolish traditional widowhood practices that infringe upon the fundamental human right of Abriba women to inherit their late husbands’ properties.