Culture and the Education of Female Children in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State

Abstract

Background: Education is a fundamental right of all children and  indispensable to societal transformation. Currently, there is increased enrolment of female children into schools. However, preliminary studies have failed to clearly outline the role which culture is playing in driving this change.

Objectives: The study sought to: examine attitudes towards the education of female children; find out cultural changes affecting the education of female children; and determine the effects of girl-child education on the development of Gwer West local government area of Benue State.

Methodology: Descriptive  survey  research design was  adopted to achieve the objectives of this study. A sample  400 respondents were selected from the total population of 122,313 people. Purposive, simple and random sampling techniques were used in the selection of council wards and respondents for study.  Simple percentages were used to describe the data while Chi-Square test of independence was used to test the association between the variables of interest. Results were presented in tables.

Results: It was found that  respondents (42.7%) showed interest in educating all children regardless of sex. This is due to the significant changes in cultural practices like early/child marriages, preference for the education of male children and the view that girl-child education is unrewarding. Responses (60.5%) indicated that girl-child education can promote socio-economic development. Chi-square test indicated a significant relationship between the occupation of parents and their perception towards gender preference for the education of their children.

Unique Contribution:  This study has provided empirical evidence indicating that culture and education are linked. The form of cultural disposition – positive/negative – towards child education influences the way boys and girls access education. This information will be useful in designing and implementing campaigns on girl child education in Nigeria. .

Definite Conclusion: Aspects of culture that hampered girl-child education have changed, allowing equal educational opportunities for all children.

Key Recommendation: The study recommends the sustenance of cultural behaviours that promote equal educational opportunities for boys and girls