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- Neo-liberal State and Child Welfare Policy in Nigeria
Authors: Peter Mbah, Nkemdilim Anazonwu, Chukwuedozie Kenechukwu Ajaero
Abstract: Nigeria has many child welfare policies; however, many do not have effective impact on the welfare of children. . Economic dynamics in Nigeria and the introduction of the neoliberal state and economic policies which led to the breakdown of the family structure undermine the implementation of child welfare policies in Nigeria. This study argues that the introduction of the neoliberal state, that is a minimalist state and its economic policies such as privatization, removal of state subsidies and deregulation undermine the implementation of existing child welfare policies in Nigeria. These policies are market and profit driven perspective which has a significant impact on the prospects of sustainable development and welfare of children. The aim of the study is therefore to explain how the introduction of neoliberal economic policies created a gap in policy implementation in which children are not provided for within the social safety nets in the neoliberal Nigeria. These gaps have increased the rate of exclusion and integration of children in the area of education, health, protection, nutrition and wellbeing among others. This is mainly because the priorities of neoliberal policies are to expand market forces, facilitate open competition, enhance mass production, attract foreign investment, and maximize consumption which in many ways undermines child welfare and development. The article adopts a methodology involving qualitative research based on interviews of 70 participants and analyzed using thematic analysis.
PubDate: 2023-05-04
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2019
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- Non-kinship foster care in Nigeria: Socioeconomic and demographic drivers
of mothers’ willingness to foster
Authors: Stanley Oloji Isangha, Tosin Yinka Akintunde, Tam Cherry Hau Lin, Anna Wai Man Choi
Abstract: Research in Africa indicates an increasing number of children needing a secure and stable alternative family environment, yet the commonly used kinship care system is insufficient to meet this need requiring the support of non-kinship care. This study examined the socioeconomic and demographic drivers of willingness to foster non-kin children among mothers in Nigeria. Data from 779 mothers of children ages 2-10 were analyzed using Pearson correlation matrix and linear regression analysis to examine the associations among socioeconomic/demographic characteristics and willingness to foster. Attributes of the mothers such as region, neighborhood (rural or urban), education, occupation, and age are some determinants of willingness to foster, which also varies across children with special needs, diversity, and under six. Efforts to improve non-kinship foster care in Nigeria should consider mothers’ socioeconomic and demographic attributes when seeking to attract foster parents. The findings of this study provide implications for research, social work practice, and education in Nigeria and Africa.
PubDate: 2023-05-03
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2012
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- Using Photovoice to Illuminate Challenges Facing Children with
Disabilities in Inclusive Education in Ghana.
Authors: Edward Asamoah, Er-Menan Amaniampong, Esmeranda Manful, Nelson Gyasi-Boadu, Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson-Yalley
Abstract: Achieving inclusive and quality education for all children remains a significant problem amidst several policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores challenges facing children with disabilities in mainstream inclusive education-based basic schools in a sub-Saharan Ghanaian context. A qualitative photovoice approach was employed to highlight the experiences of six (6) pupils with disabilities. Findings revealed three main themes: unfriendly environments, inaccessible physical structures, and lack of assistive equipment, reflecting significant challenges confronting children with disabilities in inclusive education settings. Social support from colleagues without disabilities, however, acted as a major coping resource for pupils with disabilities. The study has implications for policy an
PubDate: 2023-04-21
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2025
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- Under-18 household help in south-east Nigeria and abusive concerns:
Implications for child protection and social work
Authors: Henry T Ajibo, Jacinta Ene
Abstract: The employment of under-18 domestic helpers is common in Nigeria. Our study provides evidence of abuse of these domestic helpers, and identifies policy and practice gaps that have allowed it. A phenomenological and descriptive research design was used. Data was elicited from 13 respondents. The results show that there were no social protective services available for abused under-18 domestic helpers in South-eastern Nigeria. There were reports of psychological, emotional, and physical abuses, causing them to experience suboptimal development into adulthood. Absence of qualified social workers in local authorities, with the mandate to pursue child protection has contributed to the thriving of abuse of under-18 domestic helpers. The study recommends efforts by stakeholders to develop strategies and identify adequate funds for effective child protection services. Social work advocacy for community education and raising the awareness of the dangers of abuse of under-18 domestic helpers is crucial.
PubDate: 2023-04-05
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2017
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- A question of omission of care or social reciprocity' Low-income
families’ perception of child neglect in Ghana
Authors: Esmeranda Manful, Inusah Karim
Abstract: Child neglect is the most contested type of child maltreatment as its definition and measurement are more subjective, however, the less researched area of concern is the basis of its construction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore what low-income families deem as child neglect to inform more acceptable interventions for both Social Workers and families to ensure better outcomes for children. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study in Assin Assempanaye, a low-income community in the Central Region of Ghana. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach with an in-depth interview guide, 18 parents from different households’ views were explored using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that age and expected social behaviour were the basis for neglect. Where omission of care for a child below 10 years was deemed as parental failure, for those, 10-17 years, the incidence of neglect was linked to the child’s failure to conform to the reciprocal social relationship between a parent and a child. It is suggested that Social Workers have to address adolescent neglect differently in programme interventions by also focusing on social role expectations.
PubDate: 2023-04-05
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.1976
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- Editorial
Authors: Ebenezer Cudje, Prince Agwu, Marcus Yu Lung Chiu
Pages: 3 - 6
PubDate: 2023-07-19
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2158
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
- Safety concerns for under-15 house helpers living with their
non-biological parents in Nigeria: A call to revamp social protection
strategies
Authors: Chinyere Onalu, Blessing Ramsey-Soroghaye, Paulinus Sunday Okah
Pages: 112 - 129
Abstract: Traditionally, the Nigeria system provides different reasons why children move from their biological parents to homes of non-biological parent, older relatives, and other social networks. While it is true that any form of under-aged labour mete on a child is illegal, certain cultural and social patterns are the reasons for the promotion of this phenomenon. Common among these reasons is the lack of resources to provide care and cater for the child (ren), death of the biological parents, and/or the parent wishing the child grows under tough conditions that supposedly makes the child a responsible adult. Notwithstanding these reasons, there are concerns that have been raised pertaining to the welfare of under-aged children in this setting, as it is reported that a considerable number of under-aged children suffer abuse, humiliation and other hazards. While this practice of raising children has grown to be popular and approved by communities in Nigeria, little is said about the abusive concerns that have been fastened to the practice. This study underscores the reasons for the persistence of these abusive concerns, despite the presence of the 2003 Child Rights Act. It advocates for a revamping of Nigeria’s social protection space, signposting the relevance of social workers to such cause. Data was sourced through in-depth interview organized for 10 respondents (five parents and five house helpers). Analysis was done thematically. Themes derived from the study showed that safety concerns as regards under-aged helpers are non-existent and this increases the severity of mental, emotional and physical damages faced by the under-aged children. It is clear that there is a dire need for Nigerian government to set up and implement well-coordinated social protection measures and programmes for vulnerable children and their households. These well-coordinated social protection measures will help to keep these vulnerable children within the safety net of their family.
PubDate: 2023-06-15
DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v24i1.2008
Issue No: Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
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