ABSTRACT
The study explores on the sociological examination of single parenthood in Makurdi local government area of Benue State with the following specific set objectives: to ascertain the causes of single parenthood, to find out the effect of single parenthood and to
proffer possible solutions to the problem of single parenthood. The
study adopted the functionalist theory as the theoretical framework
for this study adopted the descriptive method and made use of the
questionnaire and semi-structured interview as methods of data
collected. On the causes of single parenthood in Makurdi local
government area, the study reveals that, divorce is the cause of
single parenthood. On the effects of single parenthood in Makurdi
local government area, the study reveals that, parenthood affects
children education. Also, on the possible solutions to the problem of
single parenthood, the study findings suggest that, orientation and
parental counseling as ways of solving the problem of single
parenthood. Base on the research findings, the study concludes that,
the family lays the psychosocial, moral and spiritual foundations in
the overall development of the child. Thus, parenthood is a
responsibility requiring the full cooperation of both parents who must
ensure the total development of their children. This analysis becomes
necessary because life in a single parent family can be stressful for
both the child and the parent. Furthermore, the study recommends that,
there should be enforcement of child right act and relevant laws to
protect children from single parent homes and help them develop
better. Also, financial and moral support to children from single
parenthoods can help solve the hardship children from poor single
parent homes face as some of their needs can be sorted out which will
help solve the problems that will hinder their development in the
society. Also, scholarship should be granted by the government to
children from single parent homes in order to give them the basic
education that is distorted as a result of parental separation and
enhancetheir development.