P. C. OJIYI

This study investigated family background as a correlate of child socialization among secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study examined the influence of parental socio-economic status, academic background, ethnic background, and religious background on children’s socialization. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study.The population comprised secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area, from which a sample of 200 students (100 males and 100 females) was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Family Background and Child Socialization Questionnaire (FBCSQ). The instrument was validated and its reliability established using the Cronbach Alpha method. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including the test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there were significant relationships between parental socio-economic status and children’s socialization, parental academic background and children’s socialization, parental ethnic background and children’s socialization, as well as parental religious background and children’s socialization. The study concluded that family background plays a crucial role in shaping children’s social behavior, moral values, and adjustment within society.Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents, educators, and policymakers should pay greater attention to home-related factors in promoting positive child socialization and overall development.