Abstract

This paper investigates how social class and economic conditions shape the way Nigerian families transmit moral values and social norms to children. Using Socialization Theory and Bourdieu’s Theory of Cultural Reproduction, it explains that the family is the primary site of moral development, but its effectiveness varies by socioeconomic status. The review indicates that lower-class families, often affected by poverty and instability, tend to prioritize obedience, survival, and collective responsibility, while middle- and upper-class families emphasize education, long-term planning, leadership, and the accumulation of cultural and social capital. These differences influence the values children internalize and contribute to the continuation of social inequality across generations. The study also highlights that economic hardship can strain family relationships and weaken moral guidance, while higher economic status enables greater investment in child development but may reinforce inequality and materialistic orientations. Overall, it concludes that social class and economic context are key to understanding moral development and social reproduction in Nigeria, and that reducing poverty and improving family welfare are essential for addressing issues like inequality, corruption, and youth deviance