Perspectives on Markers of Adulthood Among Emerging Adults in Ghana and Nigeria

Abstract

Within the rapidly growing literature on emerging adulthood worldwide, studies examining this concept in African countries are virtually nonexistent. In an effort to continue the inclusion of other countries and cultures in the discussion of this developmental concept, there is a need to conduct research on emerging adulthood in African countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives on the markers of adulthood among emerging adults at selected universities in Ghana and Nigeria. Results reveal that the markers of adulthood among youth in Ghana and Nigeria are eclectic, with strong ties to sociocultural factors. The findings of this study make several important contributions to the literature for our understanding of the concept of emerging adulthood and serve as anchor for further research in the field of emerging adulthood in West Africa.

On Becoming an Emerging Adult Parent in South Africa: Processes of Commitment, Exploration and Reconsideration of a Parental Identity

“…Secondly, cultural and religious norms appear to be an important resource, providing a framework for everyday decisions and signposts in the process of parenting and coping with the demands of parenthood. This corresponds with other research studies from the African continent in which strong ties to sociocultural factors and religion were found in emerging adults from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa (Du Plessis et al, 2020; Obidoa et al, 2019). The statements of the study participants suggest that these areas are important sources of support for them, stimulating adaptive processes of exploration (Luyckx et al, 2008) and leading to a deepening of the commitments made.…”

“…Specific contexts such as living in transitional societies or experiencing social challenges will affect the way in which emerging adulthood and the dynamics of this phase are experienced (Landberg et al, 2019) and how the themes of instability and possibility are balanced. For example, the sociocultural context of Africa and South Africa poses unique challenges – political transition, resource constraints and an unstable economic climate might influence the identity exploration and ability of emerging adults to fulfil adult commitments (Alberts & Durrheim, 2018; Du Plessis et al 2020; Naudé, 2020; Obidoa et al, 2019; Van Lill & Bakker, 2020). Furthermore, a specific life event such as becoming a parent will also affect the way in which emerging adults, for example, focus on their development and explore their identities (Canzi et al, 2021).…”

Raising African Voices in the Global Dialogue on Care-Leaving and Emerging Adulthood

“…Arnett (2015) is conscientious in pointing out that emerging adulthood appears to apply across developed countries and suggests that in economically developing countries such as China and India, urban young people are more likely to display features of emerging adulthood than rural young people. We have, however, been able to locate only one study that addresses the validity of the emerging adulthood construct in Africa (Obidoa et al, 2018).…”

Exploring Stakeholder Perceptions of Quality Early Childhood Education in Private Day Care Centers in Ghana: A Qualitative Approach

“…According to Waller [20], the definition of quality ECE also depends on the cultural values and beliefs regarding children and childhood within the study context. ough globalization and modernization are changing various aspects of the Ghanaian culture, it is still true that, for most Ghanaians, older persons are wiser, well behaved, and mature and that children are supposed to look up to adults to guide them morally and behaviorally [42,43]. e contextual cultural assumption about the maturity and "behavioral correctness" of adulthood may help explain the exemption of the appropriate character of teachers in the definition of quality ECE by this study's participants.…”