Umar Haruna

Structure and Functions of the Urban Family in Ghana Umar Haruna

This study examined the changing structure and functions of the family in a rapidly urbanizing African city. The main aim was to test the theories of decline and resilience of the family which have been endlessly debated. The findings indicate that indeed a lot of changes has occurred in the structure as well as functions of the African family in the city. However, the findings suggest that these changes may not necessarily imply the lost or decline of the family as has been suggested by some western scholars. Indeed, the changes rather indicate that the urban family at present is becoming more important than previously anticipated. It therefore concludes that the African urban family is here to stay and stories of its demise were rather prematurely conceived or erroneously perceived.