THE INFLUENCE OF CHILDLESSNESS ON MARITAL SURVIVAL

CHAPETR ONE

INTRODUCTION 

1.1        Background of the study

1.2        Statement of problem

1.3        Objective of the study

1.4        Research Hypotheses

1.5        Significance of the study

1.6        Scope and limitation of the study

1.7       Definition of terms

1.8       Organization of the study 

CHAPETR TWO

2.0   LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPETR THREE

3.0        Research methodology

3.1    sources of data collection

3.3        Population of the study

3.4        Sampling and sampling distribution

3.5        Validation of research instrument

3.6        Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Introductions

4.2 Data analysis

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendation

Appendix

Abstract

The study was an in-depth analysis of the influence of childlessness on marital survival in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study explored ways of reducing pressure both from the family and the society as a whole with particular reference to examining the existing causes and effects of infertility in the society. The instrument for data collection utilized for the study was questionnaire. The sampling techniques used for this study was cross-sectional survey research design. Two hundred (200) respondents were randomly selected. The data collected were analyzed using tables and percentages. From the analysis of the data, it was found that programmers like marriage forum in Ijebu-Ode Local Government could help reduce feeling of inferiority complex among childless couples. Negative attitude of childless couples towards child adoption and the significant relationship between childless couples and leadership role were found. The findings from the study necessitated certain recommendations which include the fact that childless couples should seek for medical treatment jointly instead of allowing one partner to carry the burden alone among others.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

In Ijebu Ode community, as in most other parts of the country, procreation is one of the major functions of the family. Every man takes a wife apparently to have children with them, where this main purpose for marriage is not forth coming into fulfillment, it then result to tension in most cases which lead to misunderstanding and disputes in the family. In traditional Ijebu society, many wives try to ensure the procreation of children to its fullest limit. For most of history, childlessness has been regarded as great personal tragedy involving much emotional pain and grief, especially when it is as a result of failure to conceive or from the death of a child (Mail, Charlene, 1986). Before conception was well understood, childlessness was usually blamed on the woman and this in itself added to the high level negative emotional and marital effects of childlessness. Some wealthy families also adopt children as a means of providing heirs incase of childlessness or where no son had been born, the monetary incentives offered by westerners desiring for children is so strong that a commercial market for child laundering business exists (McCurry, 2005).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE STUDY

There is an uncomfortable silence around the issue of childlessness in Ijebu Ode community. It is often tough enough to lend an ear to the laments of those who experience such pain, suffering and indignity when it comes to the scourge of barrenness. It can be even more grueling for those who suffer from childlessness. Thus childlessness can be a traumatic and worrying experience for men and women who for cultural or personal reasons, view childbearing as central to their live (Abbey & Halman, 1995, Ndaba, 1994). This is because fertility is one of the most intimate areas of human existence in Ijebu ode. It reaches deep into an individual’s membership of the human race, as well as their place in the extended family. Childlessness questions the core of someone’s being at the level of sexuality, the marital/life partner, and the ability to impart life to this life, to conceive and care for the next generation. It is associated with the loss of identity and a shattered sense of belonging (Link, and Phelan 2001). It also cuts off someone’s hereditary hope (and birthright) because they are denied leaving their genetic footprint on this world after death.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are;

1.   To ascertain the influence of childlessness in the marital home

2.   To ascertain the causes of childlessness in the family

3.   The study will also suggest the possible solution to the causes of childlessness

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher; 

H0:   there is no influence of childlessness in the marital home

H1: there is influence of childlessness in the marital home

H02: there are no causes of childlessness in the family

H2: there are causes of childlessness in the family

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will give a clear insight on the influence of childlessness on marital survival. The study will be beneficial to families and the general public. The study will help come up with causes of childlessness in the family and the solution to it. The study will be served as a reference to other researchers

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers influence of childlessness on marital survival. The will focus on the Ijebu ode community. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

 a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study     

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities 

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

 INFLUENCE: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.

CHILDLESSNESS: Childlessness is the state of people men and women not having children. Childlessness may have personal, social or political significance
MARITAL: Relating to marriage or the relations between a married couple.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study