Constructivist Grounded Theory

Thesis Proposal

Title: Rehabilitation of the Older Igbo Persons in the Evolving Nigerian Socio- Cultural Context: A constructivist Grounded Theory study.

Provide an abstract which briefly states the following:

 the problem/gap in current knowledge

 rationale

 study aim

 study design

 participants

 study outcomes and impact

This study focuses on the rehabilitation needs of the increasing population of older Igbo persons in the presence of the evolving Nigerian socio - cultural context. Attachment to the family for support at old age is no longer possible in the presence of massive urban migration and changes in family structure.

Poor awareness of the impact of this paradigm shift in the socio-cultural context has often led to frustration

The constructivist grounded theory approach to ontology and epistemology is related to the traditional phenomenological method, but differs in its use of inductive methodology that has the capacity of generating systematic theory from a systematic research (Charmaz 2006). Constructivist grounded theory is a relativist ontological position that leaves behind the traditional grounded theorists' subscription to discovery of truth that emerges from data representative of a "real" reality (Charmaz 2003)). Grounded theory is focused on conceptualising what is going on in a social context using a systematic approach to research. Therefore, the use of constructivist grounded theory approach in this study is expected to shed light on the rehabilitation needs of the older Igbo people and how they are affected by existing tradition and an evolving socio-cultural

According to Charmaz, methods broaden and expand our vision about the worldview of the studied group thereby deepening what we study and what we gather from it (Charmaz 2014). Grounded Theory methods help us view issues from our participant's point of view. Constructivist grounded theory designs allows the research to get into the unknown. (Charmaz 2014). Data for this study will be gathered through interviews with a purposive sample of participants with older Igbo people, their carers and children. It is anticipated that about 16 participants will be recruited to this study, but the exact number of participants will be determined by the point at which theoretical saturation occurs. Semi-structured, interviews will be used to gather data from a purposive sample of older Igbo people, their children and carers at home and in the Diaspora.

Contacts will be made with potential participants through:

1] Town/village chiefs/ heads of the Igbo communities. The aim of the study will be explained and the permission to conduct the study sought. This will ensure security for both the participants and researcher.

2] Church heads/priests. The Igbo have great respect for their church leaders and would participate in the research if the research aims are made known to their church leaders.

3] Personal contacts provided by participating older Igbo who will be asked to publicise