Socio - Religious Implications of Child Adoption in Igboland South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Child adoption is a challenging social process in Nigeria generally and more so in Igboland where the "bastards" syndrome is rife. The challenges range from individual, family and community socio-cultural behaviours towards inheritance to the complex ethno-religious behaviours. The study is a qualitative and explorative study to evaluate the concept of adoption, types of child adoption, reasons for child adoption, child adoption in Igboland and the socio religious implication of child adoption in Igboland. The Igbos' have their own peculiar forms of customary behaviours, particular systems of social relationships and distinctive culture. The study is intended to evaluate how the socio-cultural and environmental (ethno-religious) factors affect the child adoptive process in Igboland The consequences of such effects on the adopted child's behaviour and perception of family and the society towards the adopted children. The research shows that the major reasons behind Igbos adoption are infertility and untimely death. It is discovered that adopted children are not fully accepted in Igbo society because of traditions, cultural norms and values. The paper encourages creation of awareness, enlightment of the masses and enforcement of laws that protect adopted children in Igboland.

Perceived Barriers of Child Adoption: A Qualitative Study among Women with Infertility in Northern Ghana

“…Participants of the Kusasi tribe stated that the child will suffer a lot of insults and may even be referred to as “tampiire” (a person without known biological parents) or “sankpase” (bastard). Similarly, the unacceptability of child adoption in Eastern Nigeria is influenced by the indigenous ideology of “onyebiaraabia” which means “the stranger” [16]. In an attempt to protect the child from being insulted, the participants viewed that the adoptive parents will constantly have problems with other family or community members.…”

“…In Africa, child adoption is gradually becoming known in most countries but culture is posing a seeming setback to its acceptability and practice among various ethnic groups [16–18]. Aside from cultural implications, studies have also pointed to other militating factors against child adoption such as misconceptions, stigmatization, financial burden, and procedural bottlenecks [12, 19].…”

“…Certain deeply ingrained traditional beliefs tend to influence societal attitude towards child adoption [16]. For instance, in the Yoruba land of South-Western Nigeria the belief that “ ori omo lo npe omo wa'ye ” which means an adopted child usually attracts yet to be born children to come to the physical realm could positively influence the practice of child adoption [8].…”

The Influence of Perceived Motivational Factors on Success of Women-Driven Ventures and Their Contribution in Economic Development

“…It involves risk taking. The risk may be financial, social or psychic or combination of them (Nwaoga & Omeke, 2012).…”

“…It involves risk taking. The risk may be financial, social or psychic or combination of them (Nwaoga & Omeke, 2012). Buttner and Moore (1997) state that initially only men used to opt for entrepreneurial ventures, but with changing time, women started feeling gender discrimination at their jobs and decided to start something of their own.…”