Igbo Apprenticeship and the Impact of Materialism: A study of selected Igbo works on the Get-rich-quick Mentality

Abstract

Ịgba bá»yị also known as Igbo apprenticeship has been a cornerstone of Igbo culture for centuries, serving as a means of transferring knowledge, skills, morals and values from one generation to the next. However, the decline of this cultural practice in contemporary Igbo society is a cause for concern, as it signifies the erosion of traditional ways of life and the quest for quick wealth emancipation. This research was prompted by the observation of the declining prevalence of Igbo apprenticeship and its significance in the cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of materialism and get-rich-quick mentality on the decline of Igbo apprenticeship from a literary perspective. Specifically, it aims to analyze the portrayal of the decline of Igbo apprenticeship in A na-agwa ntị and Ije Ego and to determine how the get-rich-quick syndrome has affected the practice. To achieve the research objective, a qualitative research method was employed, consisting of a critical analysis of the selected Igbo literary works. The theoretical framework of this research is the cultural materialism that considers the ways in which material conditions and economic factors shape culture and social behavior. It recognizes that material and economic conditions play a significant role in shaping individual values and cultural practices. The findings of this study show that the pursuit of material wealth and the get-rich-quick syndrome has led to a decline in the apprenticeship system in Igbo society. This is due to the fact that young people now prioritize quick wealth over traditional values such as communalism, sharing, and mentorship. Furthermore, the preservation of Igbo cultural practices requires a concerted effort to reject the values of quick wealth acquisition, consumerism and prioritize the communal values of sharing and mentorship. This research recommends that Ịgba bá»yị, be promoted and preserved in Nigeria. This can be achieved through the incorporation of traditional practices into education curriculums, community engagement initiatives, and the promotion of individual value.