THE EFFECT OF DECISION-MAKING ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION OF THE CHILD

Abstract

Child development and protection can be affected in the parenting of a child. Parents’ responsibility in the protection of children can positively or negatively impact the development of children. Research on the socio-cultural contributions of parenting involving parents’ decision- making process has been few. This study explores the views and experiences of parents on how socio- cultural values influence parents’ decisions on the development and protection of the child. Using data collected in Benin City, Nigeria, the researcher looked at the influence of socio-economic factors on parents’ decision-making process toward the child. A focus group discussion with five parents and an in-depth interview with four parents were utilised in the research. The investigation considers how cultural values influence the decision-making process of parents on the development and protection of the child. The study further investigates the impact of child rights law on the development and protection of children. While parent’s responsibility is to protect the rights of their children until they are old enough to take responsibility for their lives, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, however, investigation reveals that parents most often overlook the rights of their children and considers their own right due to the socio-economic influence on their decision- making process. Thematic analysis was employed in analysing the data. Improved understanding of the cultural norms involved in the decision-making process of parents in relation to the development and the protection of children was found to be relevant in the study. Government provision of inclusive support to parents to boost the economic stability of households is found to aid in implementing policies and practices that will improve parents' decision-making process in meeting the need for their children’s development and protection.