1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The background of the conflict between African tradition and Western culture is deeply rooted in Africa's historical experiences with colonialism, globalization, and cultural transformation. African societies before colonial contact were guided by well-structured traditional systems that regulated social relations, moral conduct, governance, religion, and economic activities. According to Mbiti (1990), African traditions emphasized communal life, spiritual consciousness, respect for elders, and shared responsibility, which collectively sustained social harmony and cultural continuity. These indigenous systems provided meaning and identity for African communities long before Western influence became dominant.
The introduction of Western culture during the colonial era marked a major turning point in Africa's cultural history. European colonial powers imposed Western education, Christianity, political administration, and economic structures, often at the expense of indigenous institutions. Rodney (1972) reported that colonialism systematically undermined African social structures by presenting Western culture as superior and African traditions as backward. This cultural hierarchy encouraged Africans to abandon their customs in favor of foreign values, thereby initiating a long-standing conflict between the old and the new ways of life.
Western education and religion played a significant role in reshaping African worldviews. Achebe (1958) asserted that the introduction of Christianity and Western schooling disrupted traditional belief systems and authority structures, leading to cultural disintegration in many African communities. Traditional religious practices, languages, and moral codes were gradually replaced or devalued, creating tension between generations and weakening the transmission of cultural values. This transformation did not end with colonialism but continued into the post-colonial period through global media, technology, and modernization.
The post-independence era further intensified the conflict as African societies sought development using Western models. Ake (1996) stated that political and economic systems adopted after independence largely reflected Western ideologies, often ignoring indigenous approaches to governance and development. As a result, African traditions were sidelined in national planning and policy formulation, reinforcing dependence on Western cultural frameworks and deepening the identity crisis within African societies.
African tradition refers to the totality of indigenous beliefs, values, customs, social norms, and practices that have been developed and transmitted from generation to generation within African societies. These traditions emphasize communal living, respect for elders, spirituality, shared responsibility, and a strong connection between individuals, nature, and the ancestral world (Mbiti, 1990). Western culture, on the other hand, is defined as a way of life shaped largely by European historical experiences and is characterized by individualism, capitalism, scientific rationalism, secularism, and modern technological advancement (Ake, 1996).
Historically, the contact between African tradition and Western culture intensified during the era of colonialism, when European powers imposed foreign political systems, education, religion, and economic structures on African societies (Rodney, 1972). Although colonial rule formally ended, its cultural legacy persists through globalization, Western-style education, mass media, and religious influences, which continue to shape attitudes and lifestyles in contemporary African societies.
Language and cultural expression have also been central to this conflict. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (1986) affirmed that the dominance of European languages in education and literature alienates Africans from their cultural roots and traditional modes of expression. The preference for Western languages and lifestyles has reshaped identity formation, especially among the youth, who increasingly associate modernity with Western culture while perceiving African traditions as obsolete.
Scholars further contend that the ongoing conflict between African tradition and Western culture creates moral, social, and psychological challenges. Fanon (1967) contended that cultural domination leads to internalized inferiority, where colonized people struggle to reconcile their indigenous identity with imposed foreign values. This struggle manifests in changing family structures, shifting moral standards, and declining respect for traditional authority across many African societies. This study is set against the backdrop of these historical and contemporary cultural tensions, seeking to critically examine how the interaction between African tradition and Western culture continues to shape identity, values, and social development in Africa.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that western education, religion, media, and lifestyle patterns dominate social institutions, often portraying African traditions as primitive or outdated. As a result, traditional customs that once guided social cohesion and moral discipline are increasingly neglected or abandoned, weakening cultural continuity and collective identity (Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, 1986).
The conflict also manifests in moral and ethical contradictions within African societies. Western cultural influences reshape perceptions of morality, authority, and social responsibility, sometimes clashing with traditional norms that prioritize communal welfare over personal freedom. Issues such as changing family structures, declining respect for elders, and shifts in sexual ethics reflect this tension (Ake, 1996).
Furthermore, the dominance of Western culture in political, economic, and educational systems marginalizes indigenous knowledge and governance structures. Traditional systems of conflict resolution, leadership, and social organization receive limited recognition, despite their relevance to local contexts (Rodney, 1972). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to critically examine the nature, causes, and implications of the conflict between African tradition and Western culture.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to analyze the nature, causes, and consequences of the conflict between African tradition and Western culture. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the historical origins of the conflict between African tradition and Western culture.
- To examine the impact of Western cultural influence on African social norms, values, and identity.
- To assess the role of education, religion, and globalization in shaping the conflict.
- To identify strategies for balancing the preservation of African traditions with engagement in modern Western culture.
- To explore the perceptions of different generations regarding the relevance of African tradition in contemporary society.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the historical roots of the conflict between African tradition and Western culture?
- How does Western cultural influence affect African social norms, values, and identity?
- What role do education, religion, and globalization play in shaping the conflict?
- What strategies can be employed to balance African traditions with Western cultural practices?
- How do different generations perceive the relevance of African traditions in contemporary society?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between exposure to Western culture and the erosion of African traditional values in contemporary society.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between exposure to Western culture and the erosion of African traditional values in contemporary society.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will contribute to academic knowledge by offering a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary factors that shape cultural tensions in Africa. It will also inform cultural policy and development strategies by identifying approaches that promote a balance between tradition and modernity.
Furthermore, the study will help policymakers design culturally sensitive policies that integrate traditional values with national development goals. In addition, this research will assist educators in creating curricula that balance African cultural knowledge with modern Western education.
Lastly, the study will also serve as a reference for scholars and students interested in African cultural studies, globalization, and social development. Furthermore, it will create awareness among communities about the importance of cultural identity and the potential negative impacts of cultural alienation.
1.8 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the conflict between African tradition and Western culture within Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos was selected because of its diverse population, rapid urbanization, and exposure to both traditional African and Western cultural influences.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
…
