The extended family system in Igbo land has great advantages. The question is this; ‘is it sustainable?’. For ages, the Igbo people have treated this concept of ‘extended family’ with great concern. In this practice, many relations (extended and nuclear even distance relations) depends on other capable relations for upkeep, education, training, apprenticeship and general survival.
In the extended family system, there are multiple adults in the family. Not all these adults are parents of the children, though they may also have parent-like roles and share in the responsibilities for providing for the whole family one way or another.
This practice has worked in Igbo land for so long. It is a sort of multi-generational family. This system has worked for them for this long although due to the steady dwindling in the Nigerian economy, many now doubt the sustainability of the system.
Some persons have given their own contributions as regards the system. While some says that it is helpful, others proves it abortive.
There are lots of advantages of this system. Some of which are;
. It provides security to the members of the family.
. It provides support to members of the family.
. It brings unity to the entire community.
These are just few advantages as there are lots of them.
This leads us to a am Igbo quote; “Igwe bu ike,” meaning “Unity is strength.” Indeed, the Igbo people have proven beyond reasonable doubts that “Unity is Strength”.
