The actual contribution of mass media use to integrative tendency in Nigeria

This article presents an empirical study of the contribution of mass media to various integrative tendency among three ethnic groups In Nigeria. The study examined five dimensions of integrative tendency, namely (i) spatial integrative behaviour (working, visiting another state); (ii) associational integrative behaviour (working under another tribe, allowing son to marry from another tribe); (iii) government integrative behaviour (fostering interstate travel): (iv) use of a common language; and (v) inter-ethnic trust. The findings suggest that the contribution of the mass media to integrative tendency varies according to media type and dimension of integration. They also indicate Nigeria's need to streamline media policy on integration. But the author concludes that other agents of socialization (schools, family, peers) may also offer an integrated approach to achieving national cohesion in Nigeria.