Impact of globalisation on family relationships and dynamics as expressed by married adults in Lagos State, Nigeria

IntroductionGlobalisation has transformed the way families interact, communicate, and navigate their relationships across contemporary societies. In Nigeria, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos State, increasing exposure to global economic, technological, and cultural influences has significantly reshaped family dynamics. This study investigated the impact of globalisation on family relationships and dynamics among married adults in Lagos State, Nigeria, with emphasis on communication patterns, role expectations, conflict experiences, and family cohesion.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. A total of 300 married adults were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique for the survey, while 30 participants were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and regression analysis), while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings revealed that globalisation has both positive and negative impacts on family relationships and dynamics. Quantitatively, respondents agreed that globalisation enhances communication, promotes cultural understanding, and improves shared decision-making (grand mean = 3.54), while also contributing to reduced face-to-face interaction, increased work-related pressures, and value conflicts (grand mean = 3.22). Inferential analysis indicated a significant relationship between globalisation and family relationship dynamics (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). Regression results further showed that globalisation significantly predicts family relationship outcomes (β = 0.58, p < 0.05), accounting for 34% of the variance. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, revealing that married adults adopt coping strategies such as improved communication, role renegotiation, reliance on social support systems, and preservation of cultural values.Discussion and recommendationsThe study concluded that globalisation plays a dual role in shaping family relationships, acting both as a facilitator of relational connectivity and a source of familial strain. While it enhances communication and access to resources, it also introduces challenges related to role conflict, reduced family interaction, and value dissonance. It is recommended that married adults, policymakers, and community stakeholders adopt strategies that promote effective communication, flexible role negotiation, and strengthened social support systems, alongside community-based initiatives aimed at sustaining family cohesion and resilience in a globalised society.