Rural-to-Urban Migration and the Redefinition of Family Structures in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Our research explores the impact of migration from rural areas to urban cities in Sub-Saharan
Africa on family dynamics and structures. This was accomplished through a mixed methods
approach which included demographic analysis and qualitative assessment in five selected
countries. Results indicate a shift from extended families to nuclear families, increase in female
household heads, and changes in intergenerational support systems. Ethnocultural adaptation
and urban economic strain are the primary drivers. This study provides understanding of sociocultural change resulting from urbanization and impacts socio-cultural policy frameworks on
social planning for urban areas.