Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy

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Browsing Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy by Author "Fashola Joseph Omokafe"

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    Sociocultural Change and the Crises of Identity in Africa
    (Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, Switzerland, 2024) Fashola Joseph Omokafe
    The interaction processes of different cultures bring about the exchange of ideas which leads to changes in cultural identity. While some researchers see sociocultural change as a way of promoting cross-cultural understanding, some others are concerned that African cultures run the risk of cross- cultural misunderstanding and thereby face loss of identity. Arguments abound on whether or not cross-cultural or sociocultural change in a fast-globalizing world encourages or undermines the uniqueness and identity of the cultures involved. The crises of cultural identity in Africa are premised on the infusion of Western culture, religion, technology, and education into the worldviews of the African indigenous belief system and way of life to the extent that it results in a dilemma of identity. In some kingdoms in Edo state of Nigeria, kingship, which used to be strictly traditional, is gradually taking on a mix of Western and traditional flavors. Traditional wedding rites and ceremonies are no longer considered sufficient as they are now accompanied by Christian ceremonies. Given the above, first, this chapter explores the resilience of “culture and tradition” in the practice of kingship and wedding ceremonies in Edo state of Nigeria to identify the various ways through which social change is impacting the way of life of the people. Second, against the backdrop that African cultural identity is taking a new turn in the globalizing world, this chapter examines instances of sociocultural exchanges as well as how they shape the reconstruction and negotiation of cultural identity. The study employs the qualitative method of research, involving interviews, focus groups, and content analysis, on the one hand, and using philosophical tools of conceptual elucidation and critical analysis, on the other hand. It employs Talcott Parson’s functionalist theory which proposes that humans with basic needs constantly adapt themselves in whatever condition they find necessary to meet those needs.