Why we need to value the African Family in the age of globalization
By Baker Matovu (Uganda) (Ph.D. in Sustainable Development)
Throughout history including inter alia human creation, having a family or being a part of a family has been the epitome of society. Prior to current civilization, families used to be a source of cohesion, social belonging, happiness, and community thought advancement. No wonder, several sociologists succinctly document that ‘Family isn’t all sunshine and roses: but for better or worse it teaches you the values that guide you.’ Based on the above quote, I would categorically assert that family is a way of life and doing things. Before delving into showcasing the myriad benefits, of a family, I will give a preamble on the basic meaning of family to guide my arguments.
For starters, the contextual meaning of family varies depending on a given perspective, or society, or thought, or setting. The definition provided by the Merriam-Webster dictionary denotes that a family can be a group of related things (mainly relating to animal kingdoms or species) and/or a group of people-parents, their children, and relatives living together; either as a unit or in a given sedentary location. To guide my essay, I will define a family in the context of people as a unit of people; with a specific bond such as marriage, blood ties, religion, tribe, or aspirations to achieve socioeconomic and sustainable development and welfare. This definition implies that there can be different families but the zenith of having a family is psychological tranquility and socioeconomic advancement-including fostering of cultural cohesion. In addition, it elucidates that though the idea of a family tends to evolve with time, but typically it refers to a group of individuals who are related to one another and/or reside together..
Scholars and societies have reported innumerable benefits of family both at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and societal levels. In other words, strong ties with family members, like many other healthy social interactions, can have many positive effects on society and people as a whole. These benefits include:
From a personal and individual standpoint, family support is significant to people for a variety of reasons, the most of which are connected to one's own wellbeing. Family is important to people because it can improve one's physical, emotional, and mental health, and because it provides benefits to people that cannot be found elsewhere. Many psychologists relate cognitive tranquility to having a nice family. For example, myriad studies have reported that for young people who have been exposed to violence, family bonds have been demonstrated to reduce stress by enhancing self-esteem and reducing anxiety. In difficult times, this close bond can provide a sense of belonging and serve as a shield. Studies also show that persons with strong familial relationships are better able to adapt coping methods to the challenges that life brings them.
In addition, people live longer when their families are close. As an example, researchers discovered that persons without close links to family members except their spouses had a mortality rate that was roughly double that of adults with such relationships. The study's findings also demonstrated that having many close family links was better than having only a few close ones, and that friendship bonds did not have the same longevity benefits as family ties. Family members seem to have a unique quality that helps people feel supported and content in a manner that no other person can. So, never wonder anymore why some Asian communities with strong familial bonds tend to live longer.
From a societal perspective, when you review research on subjects like crime, the economy, and social services, the significance of family in contemporary society becomes clear. It's crucial to keep in mind that family stability is more significant than family kind. This implies that family can help in regulation of society and the economy. Studies have significantly correlated families to economic prosperity. Families with tight ties tend to favor housing arrangements that allow for continued close contact. Because families who stay together choose a work market with stability and competitive pay so they won't have to uproot, this leads to more regulated jobs and earnings. The workforce in the area frequently controls labor markets at their core.
In relation to the above, families are pivotal in reducing crime that might affect economic growth of a country. In other words, family relationships aid in reducing crime in society. According to a recent analysis of the literature, prisoners who visit with family members had a 40% reduced likelihood of committing a second offence than those who do not. In times of extreme need or change, connections that are unconditionally supportive can help people get through difficult times. People who have made poor decisions but are still receiving emotional support from their family are able to feel valuable and have a purpose in life.
In summary therefore, I would argue that the importance of family in Africa and the related benefits are innumerable-from a cognitive, group, and society perspective. One notable fact remains however that, for individuals and society to reap these benefits, a combination of factors are crucial such as the nature of setting, upbringing, and the surroundings. These might curtail the attainment of these benefits. For instance, in some individualistic societies, solitude is seen as a subjective way of living.
(Image Copy rights: The Christian Science Monitor)
