Addressing Parental Responsibilities as a Nexus for Nigeria's Sociocultural Revolution

Abstract

This paper investigates the pivotal role of parental guidance in shaping Nigeria's 
sociocultural landscape and explores the effects of parental failure on youth 
behaviour, societal values, and national development. Employing a qualitative 
methodological approach, the study examines the narratives and lived 
experiences of Nigerian families, drawing from extensive literature reviews, 
case studies, and cultural analyses. Grounded in Attachment Theory, the 
research provides a comprehensive understanding of how parenting impacts 
societal outcomes. The findings highlight that parental failure manifests in 
various forms, including lack of supervision and engagement, cultural and 
economic pressures, negligence of parental responsibilities, and deficiencies in 
educational background. In this context, parental failure refers to the inability 
or unwillingness of parents to adequately nurture, guide, and provide for their
children, resulting in a range of negative outcomes for individuals and society. 
These manifestations contribute to widespread social issues such as juvenile 
delinquency, substance abuse, and the erosion of ethical values. The study 
underscores the importance of addressing parental failure as a catalyst for 
sociocultural transformation in Nigeria, arguing that a more cohesive and 
progressive society can be cultivated by empowering parents and tackling the 
root causes of parental failure through collaborative efforts from government, 
NGOs, and community leaders. Key recommendations include implementing 
parental education programs to equip parents with effective parenting skills, 
establishing economic support systems to alleviate financial burdens, and 
promoting cultural reorientation to encourage active and engaged parenting.