Socio-Cultural Determinants of Quality of Life among Families in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is based on culture-related factors that contribute to living in Nigeria. Nigeria is a nation characterized by extensive socio-economic inequalities and culture-rooted conventions. The study is based on such theoretical concepts as so-called Social Action Theory in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in analyzing various critical issues such as how family size functions, rituals of marriage, preferences based on gender, and socio-economic status which play a role in living. This research employs a qualitative research approach to explore gender preferences, marriage practices and family size in relation to quality of life among families. Three research objectives and four research questions guided the study. The findings made point towards traditional practices such as a large number of children, an early marriage, and gender biases being factors which enhance poverty levels and make medical care, education, and shelter more limited and harder to achieve. This study concludes it is of paramount importance to incorporate culturally oriented strategies in such areas as policy-making, education, and community engagement in addressing such concerns in an appropriate manner. It recommends that through supporting family planning, supporting equality of gender, and supporting empowerment, Nigeria can make actual progress in improving living for its citizens and in the direction of fulfilling such Sustainable Development Goals which are traditionally known as SDGs.