Changing Perceptions of the Value of Daughters and Girls' Education among the Isoko of Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Changing Perceptions of the Value of Daughters and Girls' Education among the Isoko of Nigeria
Author:	Edewor, Patrick A.
Year:	2006
Periodical:	African Population Studies
Volume:	21
Issue:	1
Pages:	55-70
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	women's education Isoko attitudes Women's Issues Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Education and Oral Traditions Education and Training Cultural Roles Status of Women Fertility and Infertility
External link:	http://www.bioline.org.br/request?ep06004
Abstract:	This paper examines the changes in parents' perceptions of the value of daughters and their education among the Isoko of Nigeria. It utilizes information generated from focus group discussions in two urban and four rural communities in Delta State, southern Nigeria. Eight focus groups were constituted in each of the towns and villages - four for men and four for women. The groups were homogeneous in terms of sex, age and educational level. The findings indicate that parents' perceptions of the value of daughters are changing because adult daughters have been found to be more caring and more supportive of aged parents than adult sons. Consequently, parents now consider the education of daughters as very rewarding since educated daughters are better equipped to provide support to their parents. The changing attitudinal disposition towards girls' education has implications for women's status and fertility. Bibliogr., note, sum. [Journal abstract]