Globalization and cultural erosion: Impact on sexuality in Nigeria

David O. Fakeye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Fako4best@yahoo.com

Abstract

An important component of culture among different people of the world is sexuality. In Nigeria discourses on sexuality are strictly placed in the purview of family and religious circles, higher institution of learning, in the  hallowed walls of national and state assemblies, and pages of news papers. The adventt of globalization has brought an increase in sexual awareness and reorientation among Nigerians. The pre-globalised Nigerian culture was characterized by restriction of sex and related issues to family life between a man and a woman who are joined in marriage. In addition, virginity or girl- child chastity was considered a thing of pride for the bride’s family and as such any one who dared to deviate from the norms was deemed to have brought shame upon her family and was stigmatized by the entire community. Further still, every member of the society was guided by general rules as set by societal expectations, superstitions, taboos and culture. All these formed the identity and value system of the people and individuals that failed to conform were usually sanctioned heavily. However, with the advent of globalization, the fast changing world of information dissemination and cultural imperialism, traditional ideas about human sexuality are changing fast across Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The focus of this paper therefore is to examine the impact of globalization on sexuality in Nigeria. Recommendations are also  made that parents should re-educate the Nigerian child by employing didactic values of the African indigenous languages through teaching their children folk tales and songs that will neutralize the negative influence of globalization as well as reinforce the indigenous African value systems in homes.

Keywords: culture, globalization, sexuality, indigenous values

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