Children’s Socialization in the Cultural Context of the Borana Oromo: Its Values and Features

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the values and features of children’s socialization in the cultural context of Borana Oromo. A qualitative case study research design was employed to address the research questions. In-depth interviews, key-informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), observation, and document review were used as methods of data collection. The study participants were children between the ages of 9 and 16, parents, Abbaa Gadaa (the leader in Gadaa), Gadaa councils, and experts from governments’ relevant sectors. A purposive sampling technique was employed for identifying research participants. Thematic analysis was employed for analyzing classifications and exploring themes relating to the data. The values of privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity were considered. The findings of the study reveal that the values of children's socialization are intended to teach children about respectfulness, patience, independence, cooperativeness, solidarity, and gender roles. Also, the finding shows that if children are not socialized according to culture starting from their childhood, they will never be people of culture, good leaders in Gadaa, and will never play the role of humanity. Parents socialize daughters more at home, and this helps them to observe what their mothers do. Sons’ socialization is mostly attached to their fathers. We recommend that teaching the young generation about the values of children's socialization in the Gadaa system is important. This can create a chance to look at where children failed and be upright, learn from mistakes, and live according to culture to sustain the generation.