The influence of materialism and cultural orientation on Nigerian politics and economic development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JSRD.5.3.58-66Keywords:
Materialism, Cultural orientation, Voting behaviour, National development, NigeriaAbstract
Language and culture are inseparable elements in human society, with language serving as the primary medium through which culture is expressed, transmitted, and preserved. Culture encompasses the beliefs, values, norms, customs, and patterns of behaviour that shape every aspect of social life, including politics, economics, religion, education, and governance. In Nigeria, cultural orientations have historically influenced political participation, selection and election of leaders, and this has grossly affected Nigeria’s social and economic development. However, the country's contemporary political landscape has witnessed a growing culture of materialism, where the pursuit of wealth and monetary inducements increasingly determines political behaviour and electoral outcomes. This development has transformed the political mindset of many Nigerians, making voting decisions more reflective of ethnic loyalties and financial incentives than competence, ideology, or commitment to national development. The paper examines the influence of materialism and cultural orientation on Nigerian politics and national development, with particular emphasis on the impact of these factors on citizens' voting behaviour and intergroup social relations in the twenty-first century. It argues that the interplay between ethnic identity and money politics has weakened democratic values, undermined the emergence of credible leadership, and hindered sustainable national development. The study adopts an interdisciplinary qualitative approach, drawing on primary sources, archival materials, and relevant secondary literature to analyse the historical evolution and contemporary manifestations of these phenomena. The paper concludes that promoting issue-based politics, strengthening civic education, enforcing electoral laws against vote-buying, and fostering a stronger sense of national identity are essential to deepening democracy and advancing sustainable national social and economic development in Nigeria.
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