An Assessment Of Divorce On The Socialization Of Children In Odupkani Local Government

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

An Assessment Of Divorce On The Socialization Of Children In Odupkani Local Government (Charles)

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State. The study was specifically set to assess the prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State, ascertain the causes of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State, and find out the effect of divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprised of married men and women residing in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State. In determining the sample size, the researcher purposefully selected 160 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. While the hypotheses was tested Chi-square statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State is high. The study also revealed that divorce has a negative effect on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State as it denies a child access to proper parental affection, makes children to feel insecure, triggers aggression in a child, results to antisocial behaviour among children, and results to deviant behaviour among children. Therefore, it is recommended that the parents should be reminded of their joint responsibility for raising the child even when the marriage is annulled. This encourages concern about their children’s welfare and co-operation over child rearing issues. To mention but a few.

Table of Content

Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Content
List of Tables
Abstract

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the Study
1.9 Definition of Terms
1.10 Organisations of the Study

Chapter Two:

Review of Literature

2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review

Chapter Three:

Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of the Study
3.3 Sample Size Determination
3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Validity of the Study
3.9 Reliability of the Study
3.10 Ethical Consideration

Chapter Four:

Data Presentation and Analysis

4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Analysis of Data
4.3 Answering Research Questions
4.4 Test of Hypotheses

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
References
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Divorce is a social fact that exists in all societies. In developing societies such as Nigeria, divorce is legally approved under certain conditions; however the cultural values of most ethnic groups frown at it. The behaviour entails that couples who hitherto live together as husband and wife become divorced either through dispute or mutual consent. The divorce leads to broken homes, a phenomenon which results to a single parent syndrome. Single parent syndrome is a manifestation of divorce or broken homes and in this condition, the responsibility of socialization of the child rest squarely with a single parent as the children are forced to live with one of the parents. These have far reaching implications on the social, psychological and economical well being of the child.

In divorce situation, both couples are greatly affected including the entire family members, but the child or children involved are the ones who suffer the most. In a legal divorce, the custody of the child is awarded in the best interest of the child. That is the court looks at the environment where the child would live in, the availability of basic amenities and the nature of work of the parties before the child is being handed over to one of the parties. In cases of non legal divorce, the child could live with the father, mother, grandparents or family relatives. A child who is not well developed physically and emotionally may find it difficult adjusting to live with one of the parents or step parents if any of the partners remarries (Alubo, 2006). Getting a child socialized, attending to norms and values acceptable by the society is the responsibility of both parents. However, most parents do not aspire to fulfill this role when planning to pathways with each other. Most parents when filing for divorce neglect the issue of the child or children, as their welfare usually comes last as a result of their anger and emotional trauma. This neglect of the child’s welfare has implications of the socialization of the child which is reflected in their life course behaviour.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

When a marriage ends in divorce all individuals connected to the relationship are impacted. There are perhaps none so affected as children. Because of their innocence and immaturity, children are unable to process stressful events as adults are. Their reactions and behavior can range from subtle to explosive. The absence of father or a mother from a family could have different effects on the growing child. According to Biller (1993) in Magane (2000) closeness with parents could be especially important in fostering the child’s sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.

In Nigeria particularly in the urban areas, marriages are at risk of disappearing as the basic institutions in society due to various changes in relationships (Mhau, 2010). The woman’s Legal Aid Centre (2007) cites matrimonial problems, frequently leading to divorce, as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria today. The center handled about 1,138 legal cases related to marriage problems between 2006 and 2007as increased by 18.7 percent. It indicates the wide spread of globalization, non-tolerant among the couples and poverty as the main causes of divorce. Despite having various laws policies and programs concerning child and marriage issues such as the Law of Child Act 2009, Child Development Policy1996, Social Welfare Department and Marriage Act 1971, still the issue of divorce and its impact hinder most of children and women in Nigeria. Hence there is a need to research in this area since it has been observed that divorce has a big impact on children socialization. Therefore, the study is intended to assess divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study to examine divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government. The study will specifically focus on the aims listed below;

Assess the prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State
Ascertain the causes of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.
Find out the effect of divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guided this study:

What is the prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State?
What the causes of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State?
What are the effect of divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: Divorce has no significant negative effect on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.
Ha: Divorce has a significant negative effect on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study was intended to assess divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government. The findings of this study contribute greatly to children, family, the government and relevant institutions in Nigeria.

To the children, the study helps them to identify causes that hinder their proper development. To the family, the study helps them to know the position of their children, their responsibilities to their children and also to know the challenges facing their children after divorce. To the government and other institutions, the study helps them to understand the proper ways to handle issues regarding affected children and family. Also, the study helps the government to review laws, policies and regulations pertaining children’s welfare. On the other side.

1.7 Scope of the Study.

The scope of this study boarders on divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government. Geographically the study will be delimited to Odupkani Local Government.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The researcher encountered minor obstacles when conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. The significant constraint was the scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse, so the researcher incurred more financial expenses and spent more time sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Furthermore, the researcher did this investigation alongside other academic activities. Furthermore, the sample size was limited because only a few respondents were chosen to answer the research instrument. Despite the constraints encountered during the research, all elements were minimized in order to provide the best results and make the research effective.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Child:

Is a child is a person below the age of eighteen year.

Divorce:

Is any formal separation of husband and wife according to established custom

1.10 Organization of the Study

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, abnd selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:

5.1 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the findings on divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.

5.2 Summary of the Study

In this study, our focus was to examine divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State. The study was specifically set to assess the prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State, ascertain the causes of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State, and find out the effect of divorce on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.

The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 141 responses were married men and women residing in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State.

5.3 Conclusions

In the light of the analysis carried out, the following conclusions were drawn.

The prevalence of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State is high.
The causes of divorce in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State includes: domestic violence, separation, strains from parenthood, no commitment to the relation, and marital issues.
Divorce has a negative effect on the socialization of children in Odupkani Local Government Cross River State as it denies a child access to proper parental affection, makes children to feel insecure, triggers aggression in a child, results to antisocial behaviour among children, and results to deviant behaviour among children.

5.4 Recommendation

Based on the findings the researcher recommends;

Counselors, psychologists, social workers and teachers should identify children from divorced families and counsel them and the separated parents should also be counseled on emotional needs of their children.
Pre-marital pregnancy and forced marriages should be discouraged by organizing family life education, seminars, games etc in the schools, churches and communities as much as possible since these situations often result in high state of marriage disruption.
Parents should be reminded of their joint responsibility for raising the child even when the marriage is annulled. This encourages concern about their children’s welfare and co-operation over child rearing issues.
The government should initiate and implement policies that will help children who face economic hardship from broken homes to access to education.
Social welfare should work harder to ensure that cases of marital problems in their domain are settled amicable so that they do not result to divorce.
Statutory provisions should be made and enforced to ensure that parents who are divorced both assume full responsibility of their children’s educational needs.
Non State Actors and government should carryout advocacy to educate masses on the dangers associated with divorce, especially on the children, so as to significantly reduce the rates of divorce in the state.
Couples should learn to tolerate each other and ensure that their misunderstanding do not end up in divorce so as to avoid repercussions that divorce have on the child and family.