Young women emerging preferences: exploring what it holds for family reconstruction in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Africa is yet to witness profound family reconstruction. Are there prospects for African family experiencing any significant changes in a near future? There is paucity of information on such prospects. This study conducted 23 in depth interviews to explore preferences of young women and the prospects of  massive reconstruction of the family in southwestern Nigeria through the  preference theory lens. The analysis showed growing preference for education and paid work among young women. Apparently, postponement of marriage would rise owing to preference for high age at first marriage highlighted. Consequently, disregard for virginity, increasing rate of sexual activities and childbearing out of wedlock were inevitable. Significant proportion of future women would be adaptive and work-centred rather than homemakers. Thus, drastic family reconstruction is envisaged as this generation of women takes over from their mothers. Hence, well thought-out social policy capable of absorbing the social challenges of family reconstruction is imperative.

Keywords: Young, women, preference, family, reconstruction