Intermarriage – Basic 6 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Intermarriage is marriage between people from different ethnic groups, tribes or cultures. It is also called inter-ethnic marriage.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define intermarriage and intra-ethnic marriage.
2. Give examples of each type of marriage in Nigeria.
3. State the advantages and disadvantages of intermarriage.
4. State the advantages and disadvantages of intra-ethnic marriage.
5. List the values that support intermarriage.

What is intermarriage?

Intermarriage is marriage between people from different ethnic groups, tribes or cultures.

• Yoruba man and Igbo woman: a husband and wife from two of Nigeria’s large ethnic groups.

• Hausa woman and Edo man: a couple from the north and the south of Nigeria.

• Nigerian and foreigner: a marriage across nations, which also joins two cultures.

What is intra-ethnic marriage?

Intra-ethnic marriage is marriage between people from the same ethnic group or tribe.

• Yoruba and Yoruba: both partners belong to the Yoruba group.
• Igbo and Igbo: both partners belong to the Igbo group.
• Hausa and Hausa: both partners belong to the Hausa group.

What is the difference between intermarriage and intra-ethnic marriage?

What are the advantages of intermarriage?

The advantages of intermarriage are the benefits it brings to the couple, their children and the nation.

• National unity: it brings tribes together, reduces tribalism and promotes peace.
• Cultural exchange: each partner learns a new culture and language, and the family keeps rich traditions.
• Bilingual children: children can grow up speaking two or more languages.
• Wider perspective: the couple understand different viewpoints, and tolerance and open-mindedness grow.
• Genetic variety: marrying outside a small community lowers the chance that both parents carry the same inherited condition.
• Larger support network: the family has friends and connections in both tribes, and more business opportunities.
• Breaking stereotypes: it shows that tribes can live together, reduces prejudice and shows that love goes beyond tribe.

What are the disadvantages of intermarriage?

The disadvantages of intermarriage are the problems that can arise from joining two different cultures.

• Language barrier: talking with in-laws can be hard, and misunderstandings can occur.
• Cultural conflicts: traditions, food preferences, naming ceremonies and burial rites may differ.
• Family opposition: parents or relatives may reject the marriage, apply social pressure or even disown a child.
• Identity confusion for children: a child may be unsure which tribe or culture to belong to.
• Discrimination: children may be treated as outsiders by both sides.
• Religious differences: partners may follow different faiths, which raises questions about the children’s faith and festivals.
• Expensive weddings: both cultures must be satisfied, so there may be double ceremonies and more cost.

What are the advantages of intra-ethnic marriage?

The advantages of intra-ethnic marriage come from the partners sharing one culture.

• Cultural compatibility: the couple share traditions, language and values, so communication is easy.
• Family acceptance: parents are happy, the new spouse joins the family easily and there is little culture shock.
• Simpler ceremonies: there is one cultural wedding, which costs less and follows clear traditions.
• Clear identity for children: children know where they belong, speak the language well and have strong roots.

What are the disadvantages of intra-ethnic marriage?

The disadvantages of intra-ethnic marriage come from limited contact with other cultures.

• Limited perspective: the family knows only one culture, so there is less diversity and a narrow worldview.
• Can encourage tribalism: it may feed an “us versus them” attitude that divides the nation and encourages discrimination.
• Genetic concerns: in a small community where close relatives marry again and again, inherited health problems are more likely.

What values support intermarriage?

The values that support intermarriage are love, tolerance, unity, cooperation, respect, open-mindedness and equality.

• Love: genuine affection that chooses a partner for character, regardless of tribe.
• Tolerance: accepting differences, respecting other cultures and being patient with unfamiliar traditions.
• Unity: believing in “One Nigeria” and seeing ourselves as Nigerians first.
• Cooperation: working together despite differences, through compromise and finding middle ground.
• Respect: honouring each other’s culture and valuing diversity.
• Open-mindedness: being willing to learn, free from prejudice and ready to accept change.
• Equality: no tribe is superior, all cultures have value and everyone deserves fair treatment.

Evaluation

1. Define intermarriage.
2. What is intra-ethnic marriage?
3. List three advantages of intermarriage.
4. Name two disadvantages of intermarriage.
5. Which values promote intermarriage?

Multiple choice questions

1. Intermarriage means ________
   • a) Marrying the same tribe
   • b) Marrying a different tribe
   • c) Not marrying
   • d) Marrying twice
2. An advantage of intermarriage is ________
   • a) Cultural exchange
   • b) More problems
   • c) Family rejection
   • d) Confusion
3. Intra-ethnic marriage is marriage between ________
   • a) Different tribes
   • b) The same tribe
   • c) No one
   • d) Foreigners
4. Which value promotes intermarriage?
   • a) Hatred
   • b) Tribalism
   • c) Love and tolerance
   • d) Discrimination
5. Intermarriage promotes ________
   • a) National unity
   • b) Division
   • c) War
   • d) Hatred

Answers: 1.b 2.a 3.b 4.c 5.a

Assignment

Explain intermarriage and intra-ethnic marriage. List four advantages and four disadvantages of intermarriage. Then say how intermarriage promotes national unity.