PARENTING IN A GEN Z ERA: THE 21 CENTURY CHALLENGE OF PARENTALAUTHORITY AND CONTROL IN AFRICA

Abstract

Parenting serves as a vital social function, deeply influencing the collective outlook of a society. This stems from the widely held belief that the character and future of society are largely shaped by the nature of parental guidance provided to its children. This philosophy is particularly resonant in African societies, where parenting transcends the personal realm to become a communal responsibility. Within this context, the authority and control traditionally exercised by parents are not exclusively theirs but are shared with the broader community. However, in the 21st century, parenting has undergone significant transformations, especially in comparison to previous eras. One major catalyst for this change is the pervasive influence of technology, which has given rise to a new generation often referred to as Generation Z or digital natives. This generation's distinct behavioural traits pose substantial challenges to traditional African parenting models, especially when viewed through the lens of customary Igbo societal norms. These challenges are not unique to Africa; they reflect a global phenomenon that necessitates deeper inquiry. This study, therefore, seeks to address several key questions: Who constitutes Generation Z? In what ways does Generation Z challenge the traditional parental authority and control prevalent in African societies? What specific difficulties arise in the process of parenting within the context of this generational shift in Africa? Adopting a critical descriptive analysis, this research focuses on the complexities of parenting Generation Z within the framework of traditional Igbo parenting practices in southeastern Nigeria. By drawing on secondary sources such as books, scholarly journals, and online resources, the study explores the generational concepts, the characteristics of Generation Z, the evolving nature of parenting in Africa, and the traditional Igbo approaches to childrearing. Ultimately, it establishes that the advent of Generation Z has instigated a profound shift in the dynamics of parenting, challenging the long-standing norms that have historically guided parental practices in Igbo culture.