Exploration of Social Milieu Surrounding Widower/Widowhood in Nigeria Cultural Setting

Abstract

The study examined, social milieu surrounding widower and widowhood practices in cultural setting in Nigeria. The inhuman treatment experienced by widower and widow varies from one culture to the other. In some culture, subjecting the widow to four months house arrest to detect possibility of pregnancy is regarded as a favour of clemency for the widow. The influence of western education and Christianity is now modifying the rate at which widows and their children are being forced to comply with their cultural rites. In this study, discussion and interview with focus group were used for data collection. Fifteen individuals were sampled for focus group discussion while five widows, five widowers and five children were selected from three states representing Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba tribes in Nigeria, making a total of 54 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using content analyses and presented thematically. It is interesting to discover that different widowhood practices and rites are still in existence in some towns and remote areas in the three geographical zones of Nigeria, while some widower experienced victimization from the relatives of their late wives. However, due increased civilization, westernization, right awareness and embracement of Christianity, general societal attitude to widows and widowers had improved in recent past. The contributions from individuals, philanthropists, professional social workers and religious organizations had alleviated the societal discrimination being faced by widows and widowers in the Nigerian society. The government therefore need to corroborate the contributions of different organizations in alleviating the social milieu of widowhood by enacting laws against inhumane treatment widows are made to go through and also forming policies that will ensure formal education for affected children.

Keywords: Exploration, social milieu, widower, widowhood, children, cultural setting