Ethnic differences and perceived marginalization as psychological issues of conflict in Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Ethnic differences and perceived marginalization as psychological issues of conflict in Nigeria
Author:	Ehigie, Benjamin Osayawe
Year:	2005
Periodical:	Nigerian Journal of International Affairs
Volume:	31
Issue:	1
Pages:	67-89
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	ethnic relations stereotypes
Abstract:	This paper examines ethnic differences and perceived marginalization as issues of conflict in Nigeria. It uses the ex-post facto design and, as an independent variable, ethnic differences, as reported by respondents. Nigeria's 36 States were categorized into six geopolitical zones, viz. North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West. A total of 224 (140 males and 84 females, basically Senators, Honorable Members of the House of Representatives and other staff of the National Assembly) participated in the study by way of a questionnaire. The results show that most Nigerians do generally feel marginalized. This might not be unconnected with the fact that there are many ethnic groups in Nigeria and everyone feels ostracized. The people of the South South and the North Central zones are most affected by feelings of marginalization. The North East is indifferent while the South West is the least affected. The paper recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria should conduct research to discover the specific grievances of each ethnic group with respect to marginalization. Ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]