ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF URBANIZATION ON THE TRADITIONAL FAMILY SYSTEM IN KATSINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the effects of urbanization on the traditional family system in Katsina Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The research employs a descriptive survey research design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from four hundred (400) respondents from the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages). The findings of the study reveals that urbanization significantly affected family structures and roles in Katsina Local Government Area with high percentage of respondents agreed that urbanization has led to a shift from extended family systems to nuclear families. The study also found that urbanization increased single-parent households and indicates the emergence of diverse family structures that deviate from traditional. The study concludes that the process of urbanization has catalyzed a shift from extended to nuclear family structures, altered traditional gender roles, and diminished the authority of family elders. The study recommends among others that government at both local and state levels should develop comprehensive family policies that recognize the changing nature of family structures while providing support for vulnerable family types such as single-parent households. These policies should address housing, childcare, and social welfare needs in urban contexts.