Abstract

The influence of cultural norms and home values on an individual's personality and life adjustment can manifest in
various ways. An individual's personality is shaped by a complex interplay of biological and experiential factors, with
the latter being significantly influenced by cultural elements. One prominent avenue through which cultural values
impact personality is in the cultural conditioning of child-rearing practices. When a child is born, it not only relies
on the care and support of family members but also lacks the necessary behavioral knowledge required to function
within a human society. It depends on innate biological instincts like hunger and the care provided by elders to fulfill
these basic needs. To survive and thrive, a human infant must acquire the skills, knowledge, and societal norms
specific to the culture into which it is born. Thus, cultural values are deliberately instilled in the members of a society.
For a society to function effectively, these shared cultural values must be passed down through generations,
primarily through child-rearing practices within homes. Nigeria, characterized by its diverse cultural backgrounds,
value systems, and numerous ethnic groups, has distinct child-rearing practices that transmit these values and norms
to successive generations. This paper examines the role of culture in shaping an individual's character and
emphasizes that education, when coupled with values, is crucial. Education serves as a potent tool for fostering
desirable character traits, and it must be refocused to continue producing individuals with strong moral values and
responsible character