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Nigerian Cultural Perception Of Sex

Many young Nigerians have varied perception of s3x. They also lack the appropriate knowledge of s3x.

Most of them just show a positive attitude toward it and know its effectiveness, consequences, and risks.

But they lack that in-depth knowledge of the subject in general. The lack of knowledge on s3x is often due to a lack of parent-child communication on the topic.

Nigerian parents most times abstain from touching the topic of s3x. And others only teach their children to abstain from s3x altogether.

Children are taught to obey all their parents’ instructions in a cultural or traditional Nigerian setting, without questions.

Often, Nigerian parents assume that the best way to prevent s3xual immorality among youth and young adults is by keeping them completely ignorant of s3x and s3xuality matters.

For the girls, most times nobody mentions anything about s3x until their marriage night.

And for others, their parents might only mention one or some warning about s3x on their Menarche. As for the boys, it is a total “Blackout” on the subject.

In some Nigerian homes (most especially in Rural areas) children are shy to ask questions about s3xuality.

Those who do ask often face stigma and are constantly watched. And all this takes place irrespective of the fact that the subject of s3x pops up constantly in the media, schools, and among other groups in society.

The Nigerian Youth and the Internet:

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In Nigeria as much as in most countries in the world, young people spend more years in school than ever in history.

And evidence shows that the youth of this present time mature way faster than the time of our fathers.

And as the world gets more interconnected than ever before, our youth are getting more curious.

They want to know more about their physiology and s3xual behavior. Their s3x interests are increasing and they have no one to discuss it with.

Without adequate knowledge of s3x from their parents, youths rely on their peers for advice.

Others turn to the internet where negative s3xual behaviors are glamorized, and their natural interest in s3xuality is rejected.

And when society, parents, and schools do not provide the youth with fundamental facts about s3xuality, the consequences could be rather disastrous.

As Nigerians, there is every tendency that the outside world influences our pattern of behavior.

When these influences are negative, their effect on the recipients could be catastrophic. Especially to countries that don’t have the knowledge and haven’t evolved to cope with the information.

Through the Internet, our Nigerian youth are exposed to pornography, and they are not prepared to handle or understand what they see.

This could lead to s3xual health problems such as rape, incest, premarital s3x, teenage pregnancies, STDs, etc.

In a study carried out by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) a child who’s psychologically prepared is vulnerable to wrong information and risky s3xual behaviors.

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Reasons Why There Is Little or No Parent-Child Communication on s3x In the Country:

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Recent studies have shown that adolescents who discuss with their parents on s3x-related matters are more likely to make healthy decisions on s3x.

Although most Nigerian parents want their kids to know about abstinence, and how to prevent STIs, they often have difficulty communicating about s3x and s3xuality.

Inadequate s3x knowledge is usually a product of parents’ insistence on obedience and complete s3xual abstinence.

Initiating conversations about things like this may be difficult for some parents because of their upbringing.

Most parents grew up in environments where s3x was never discussed. Other parents may just be afraid to broach the subject.

Probably because they feel they don’t know the right answers or feel confused about the proper amount of information to offer.

Most times when they attempt to discuss it, the information passes through a “top-down” communication style.

And most times Nigerian parents paint s3x as something negative to their children as opposed to the fantasy their peers tell them.

There are a few factors that prevent Nigerian parents from discussing s3x with their children.

These include their gender differences, cultural perceptions, religious perceptions, educational level, and occupation.

Gender Differences:

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Some areas that allow parent-child communication are limited and dependent on gender. Nigerian parents of adolescents discuss more with children of the same s3x.

Fathers very rarely communicate with boys than girls and Mothers communicate more often with girls than boys.

The major reason for this sort of one-sided communication is that both parents feel shy. Hence, making it difficult to openly talk to their children.

The mother-daughter communication is more possible depending on a few aspects.

These include the relationship between the mother and daughter, the feeling that girls need advice more, and the importance and effects of the issues discussed with the girl child.

The discussion with boys is limited as boys face fewer reproductive health challenges than girls after puberty.

Cultural Perceptions:

Traditional/Cultural perception is another reason why Nigerian parents don’t discuss s3x with their children.

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In some parts of Nigeria and Africa, s3xual issues cannot be discussed with children because the culture considers them taboo, shameful, and insulting. These cultural taboos and traditions are passed from generation to generation.

Most Nigerian parents have these cultural perceptions right from childhood. Hence, preventing and affecting the effective communication between themselves and their children.

Religious Perceptions:

Religious beliefs and perceptions often stand as a hindrance to communication between parents and children on s3x-related issues. Nigeria is quite religious with Christianity and Islam being its two main religions.

Both religions preach against committing adultery and practising abortion, and this has more or less set the tone of every discussion on s3x.

Parents who hold on to these religious perceptions strongly can’t communicate effectively on the intricate issues surrounding s3x and s3xuality.

Educational Level of Parents:

Parents’ level of education also influences the level and quality of their communication on matters concerning s3x.

Educated parents have more patience to talk with their children compared to parents with little or no education at all.

Furthermore, they can converse with children in ways other than face-to-face. For example, giving them s3x-related learning materials, which uneducated parents will not do.

Occupation of Parents:

Another factor influencing communication between parents and children is the occupation of the parents.

Parents who work for themselves return home on a regular basis, so they may have time to talk with their children.

The opposite is true for parents who work for the government and have limited time to spend with their children.

Conclusion:

A recent study has shown that open supportive communication can go a long way in helping the youth.

Supportive communication on s3xual-related issues can help postpone s3xual activity, protect them from risky behaviour and support healthy s3xual socialization of Nigerian youths.

It is therefore recommended that for effective parent-child communication in Nigeria some issues should be addressed. Issues like sociocultural perceptions and religious beliefs hinder communication.

More so, programs should exist to support parents and guide them to be more involved in the lives of their adolescents. This will enable parents to talk effectively about s3x.

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