ISSN: 978-978-48450-4-5 (Online & Print) Website: http://www.jmel.com.ng JMEL - Journal of Modern European Languages And Literatures Vol. 4 July 2015 THE FAMILY AS THE BEDROCK OF IGBO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY By Ifeyinwa Cordelia Isidienu -119- JMEL June 2015. All Rights Reserved THE FAMILY AS THE BEDROCK OF IGBO TRADITIONAL SOCIETY BY Ifeyinwa Cordelia Isidienu Department of Igbo, African and Asian studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Abstract This paper examines the role of family life as the hub of Igbo traditional society. Family life emanates from marriage hence the proper upbringing of an individual towards the solidification of the society. However it has been observed that the influence of western culture has affected the Igbo family that the ties and bonds that bind the family are negatively affected. The paper therefore aims at taking insightful look at some of the avenues through which the family brings up an individual both politically, socially, morally and economically for a better, stronger and unified society. To do this, a descriptive survey method was adopted, backed with the review of some related texts. It was found that some ills in the society today are attributable to the neglect of the family life. The paper suggests that there is need to return to the usual family way of life by which the Igbo people are known. It finally concludes that since family life encompasses all that it takes to build a solidified society, Igbo people should have a great regard and respect for their decent families and should inculcate the same in their children. Introduction Family life cannot sustain itself without marriage because marriage is a way of creating the family. The family includes the man, his wife/wives, children and every other person that has blood relations or lives with the family. Ogbalu (2006:7) states that family in Igbo context “differs from the English concept of family in the sense that it does not apply only to a husband, his wife, and children but also includes somewhat vaguely other relations such as in-laws, uncles, cousins, nephews distant or near or even maids and servants.” For easy conception, these families are grouped into the monogamous family, polygamous family and extended family. According to Mbiti (1982:106) “The joint households together are like one large family.” This assertion is correct since each family in Igbo land sees itself as close relatives and share their joys and sorrows with each other.