Paper short abstract:

Movement is an important aspect of identity struggle that is understandable through external domains of social relationships. There is always interconnection between the moved and the stayed in the society in order to maintain the kinship network through reciprocity.

Paper long abstract:

The cultural allegory of movement in Igbo cultural setting of Nigeria

suggests that it is only the lazy ones in the society stay at home why

their mates move in search of greener pasture. Movement is an

important aspect of identity struggle that is understandable through

external domains of social relationships. That is why some are driven

to the lands of the foreigners out of shame of continuous stay in the

indigenous land. Through movement, individuals or groups engage in a

competitive struggle for influence. That would perhaps give them the

potentials to compete and demonstrate their strength with other

members of the society. Besides, there is never a permanent movement

outside the environs of the Igbo society. Periodic returns are

encouraged. This is mainly during festive periods such as Christmas,

new yam festivals, Muo festivals, Marriages and funerals. There is

always interconnection between the moved and the stayed in the society

in order to maintain the kinship network. Through an ethnographical

reports complemented with empirical research, this study sees movement

as a means of societal adjustment in the community life towards a

solidaristic expansion of network. Therefore, this study analyses the

rationale behind movement in Igbo society by identifying and

qualifying the values of moving while staying.