Globalization and the Business of Marriage in Eastern Nigeria: A Study of Traditional Marriage Rites in Awkuzu, Anambra State and Irete, Imo State, Nigeria

This paper is structured to give a detailed analysis of the marriage custom in eastern Nigeria, taking into consideration the modifications in custom as a result of globalization spanning from the 19th century to the 21st century. It aims to analyse marriage ceremony as an activity that manipulates bodies in time and space, taking into cognizance the social process involved in the production of this activity, according to the precepts of the native social group (Kaeppler, 1999). The understanding of marriage in this context stems from, Ameh’s (2002) position on gender and male domination in Nigeria, and Bourdieu’s (2003) theory of cultural and social capital in relation to marriage as seen in alliances and family networks built through marriage. Also select articles on globalization and its effect on culture have been used for their theoretical relevance. The aim is to contribute to knowledge on the effect of globalization on cultural practices like marriage in Nigeria. Research data was gotten from observation, participation, interviews and past experience in the field. Keywords: Marriage, Globalization, Aso-ebi, Nigeria, Bride price.