The threat to taboo as a means of inculcating ethics in Yoruba society

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Periodical article

Title:	The threat to taboo as a means of inculcating ethics in Yoruba society
Author:	Familusi, O.O.
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Orita: Ibadan Journal of Religious Studies (ISSN 0030-5596)
Volume:	41
Issue:	2
Pages:	102-111
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	popular beliefs ethics Yoruba
Abstract:	In Yoruba society (Nigeria), living a moral life is imperative in the interests of all. Several methods of ensuring this have been adopted, one of which is the imposition of taboos on individuals. This paper discusses the relevance of taboos - such as professional, sexual and cultural taboos, as well as taboos on certain verbal expressions - in the inculcation of ethics among the Yoruba people. It also pays attention to the fact that, at present, taboos are more and more threatened by factors such as civilization, acculturation, intertribal marriages, rural-urban migration, and the impact of Christianity and Islam, resulting in waning moral consciousness. However, there are still people who observe taboos, hence their continuing relevance. Ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]