Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING BROKEN HOMES by Chukwubuikem J.S. Azoro
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Every society across the globe has its peculiar problems and challenges. Nigeria indeed is not an exception. As a developing country, she faces her own share of social, political, economic and cultural problems, which have in no small way adversely affected the well-being of the populace. One of such problems is the increasing rate at which homes break-up, which in consequence has contributed immensely to the country's unduly increasing avalanche of problems.The problem of broken homes and its effects both on the particular family and the society have doubtlessly continued to place considerable burden on the individual, the family, the community and the society at large, as they have seriously constituted clogs in the wheels of national development and survival. Broken homes, for instance, usually produce children deprived and denied of quality education, adequate parental care and wider opportunities, and consequently, most times turn out to be social deviants and delinquents, with constitution of nuisance in the society as their major stock in trade.
It follows therefore, that the prevalence of broken homes in the society is undoubtedly the topmost social problem, much akin to delicate cancer in the reproductive system of a pregnant woman and thus, needs a complex surgical operation as a matter of exigency and expediency, so as to make the problem a foregone issue. This is in view of the truism that the family is the bedrock of the society, such that if it falls apart, the society generally heads for the rock of social and cultural decline.
The severity of the issue of broken homes in the Nigerian society especially in recent times has continued to bug the minds of concerned Nigerians to the extent that successive theologians, social reformers, academicians, moralists and even the various levels and agencies of government have not relented in their concerted effort to variously find a lasting solution to the menace, but inspite of this, the problem has persisted.
The word "home" naturally connotes good in virtually all societies, but that is only when rightly applied to a man with the intention of starting a family, marries a wife and subsequently begats children to whom he shows due love and care. It is a most deserving and rewarding situation, naturally breeding happiness in the particular family and amongst friends, relatives and well-wishers. For Christians, it is the manifestation and fulfillment of the Biblical and divine injunction, "…a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh; so then they are no more twain, but one flesh." – (Mark 10: 7 – 8). However, when the word 'broken' precedes the 'home', it becomes an epitome of bad omen, an undesirable evil and is usually frowned at by friends, relatives, well-wishers, the community or the society because of its perceived and manifest consequential hazards. To Christians, it runs contrary to the Biblical injunction, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder" – (Mark 10:9).
The prevalence of broken homes in the Nigerian society is traceable to since after the Nigerian civil war owing to obvious socio-economic factors. It is this prevalence that gave the phrase, 'broken homes' its household domination of socio-academic pursuits since the period. This term is a regular occupant of Sociological and Family Law Journals, as it has become part of everyday language. Specifically, lots of families, villages, towns, cities and communities have often witnessed cases of broken homes on daily basis. The initial reaction was that people helplessly watched homes collapse, the only assistance available to such families being in terms of financial help and advice to the most affected spouse and children from friends and relations alike. The persistence of the problem has led to the enactment of laws and initiation of policies both customary, moral and positive laws to combat the problem, a typical example being the Marriage Act, CAP 115, L.F.N. 1990. The inability of the adoption of this system to resolve the problem has led to the evolution of a philosophy and technique of helping people in such problems through a more careful analysis of relationships and motives to discover the causes of the problem and to utilize the increased flexibility and recreative powers latent in human nature in the resolution of the problem. Despite al these, the problem still obtains and this situation is regrettable, especially when the fact is considered that this embarrassing occurrences prevail at a period when the country is clamouring for a better society built on solid families.
In recent times, the increasing awareness and influence of foreign culture has led to the evolution of a new trend of social morality which sees couples increasingly the break-up of their homes as normal and as their own private affairs rather than any other person's business. To such, the dissolution of the marriage is a prerogative despite the fact that such course of action entails grave and negative implications on both the family concerned and the society in general. Such people end up finding themselves entrapped by the harsh realities of life and unfortunately for some at this point, the situation is pitiably irredeemable.
It may thus be argued that couples do not just have the right to start up a family and dissolve same at will because they have the human ability to do so. Nay! There are many other relevant and indispensable problems which such course of action usually portends. The crux of this study therefore, is to explore extensively the problem of broken homes and its effects on the family and society with the aim of educating readers on the 'why' and 'how' of the issue, as well as suggesting ways through which it could be considerably reduced, if not eliminated and thus, assure families and the society at a large of a sure and sustained future. In this regard, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria will be used as a case study.
In this study also recommendations will be made on how best the family could prevent itself from falling or degenerating into this type of situation. Equally, adequate recommendations will be made on how best the society can assist in checking the continued occurrence of the incidents of broken home. This is because if nothing is done to salvage the situation, both the family in particular and the society in general have a lot to lose.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Broken homes, otherwise known as failed marriages, as the researcher has already pointed out, is a universal phenomenon which exists in almost all societies of the world as the destruction of the developed and legalized institution of marriage and family life.
The communities in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria, like most communities elsewhere in Nigeria, discourage the break-up of homes. The members of such families find it difficult to find their feet in the society due to the numerous problems associated with such occurrence.
Legally, the break-up of a home is not sanctioned or approved by the traditions and customary practices of the people, as well as their positive law, unless it is done or brought under clear limits and circumstances as prescribed under these laws.
Summarily, such a family either directly or indirectly is looked down on, scorned and not valued. Most times, their members are deprived of one social right or the other due to the problems associated with this phenomenon.
This situation indeed poses a serious problem to the entire society in multifarious ways. A society replete with cases of broken homes is likely to face various problems with regards to the welfare of the members of such family, especially the children. For instance, where the father of a child is permanently out of the home owing to its break-up, such child is likely in the end to be delinquent and this indeed poses a great threat to the society in which the child lives.
The ever-increasing rate of break-up of homes is a problem for the communities in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria. Every family right from the time it takes off is expected to continue as a single and integrated unit, but where the contrary is the case, the family is looked down on with scorn and disapproval. Such a family undergoes a lot of traumatic experiences without the presence of one or more of their members to contribute their quota to the development and sustenance of the family. Usually, when a home breaks, its members are emotionally, socially, intellectually, psychologically and economically broken and left at the mercy of some hard-to-find good Samaritans.
Such families are usually devastated considering their emotional, social, intellectual, psychological and economical incapacity to maintain themselves and manage the situation. In turn, the society, as a collective whole, is not spared as it is faced with its own fair share of the problems occasioned by such occurrence.
The causes of broken homes, although have been explored at different times by several social researchers, are yet to be loudly stated. Above all, ways of curbing or remedying the problem have not been totally and exhaustively articulated. This study will therefore concern itself with the reasons for or causes of broken homes and its effects on the family and the society based on the findings of the researcher in the chosen area under study. In the same vein, the study will as much as practicable, modestly attempt to proffer workable solutions and remedies to the problem with a view to curtailing its future occurrence.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the problems associated with the break-up of homes?
What should the government do to reduce the rate of break-up of homes?
In what ways does the society contribute to the break-up of homes?
Amongst which of these groups is the rate of break-up of homes higher (Illiterate or Literate)?
Do children from broken homes engage in delinquent activities more than those from sound homes?
Does unemployment increase the risk of broken home?
The phenomenon of broken homes is a social problem that has been on the increase in recent times. This has necessitated researches into the causes of the problem and ways of solving it. In this wise, the principal objective of this study is to undertake an incisive consideration of the problem of broken homes and its effects on the family in particular and the society in general. This main objective may be further divided into the following sub-objectives, viz:
a. To inquire into the root causes of the problem of broken homes.
b. To ascertain the implications of this problem on the family concerned and the relationship between same and the efficiency of the machinery of the society in general, with the view of elucidating on the effects of the former on the latter.
c. To find out how such families support themselves generally.
d. To find out the general educational level of such families so as to help them solve some of their problems.
e. To find out how the public cum society as a collective whole reacts to the phenomenon of broken homes as it affects the society.
f. To find out the possible ways of remedying the problem of broken homes in the society, both by government and individual members of the society.
g. To provide further information that will assist social scientists in the control and resolution of the problem of broken homes.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of a study of this nature in this context is not ambiguous. The findings of this study will no doubt have both practical and theoretical implications or bearing on the subject matter of broken homes and its effects on both the family and the society, for which Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State is used as a case study.
Practically, the contents and findings of this study will in no small way help to eliminate the factors that aggravate the rate and problems of broken homes, particularly in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State and the global society in general. It will create immense mental and physical awareness about the dangers of indulgence in certain unwholesome practices with tendencies of aggravating the problem of broken homes.
Theoretically, knowledge gained from this study will prove invaluable to its readers. It will not only inform, but will also educate and entertain them. Generally, the contents of this study will assist further studies on the causes and solutions to the problem of broken homes. The various statistical data and analysis herein contained will no doubt serve as invaluable aid and reliable working tool to further researchers on the topic. Thus, it is believed that the contents of this study will place at the doorsteps of prospective researchers and academicians relevant materials for their work.
Above all, it is believed that the contents and findings of this study will doubtlessly make it serve as reference material to both government, its agencies, policy makers and those in positions of influence generally to make laws, policies and decisions that will be of particular interest to government planning authorities, education curriculum planners as well as non-governmental organizations interested in the promotion of family life.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following are some of the terms and concepts severally used in the course of this study. Although they may have other meanings and semantic variants, the researcher has carefully defined them within the context of their usage in the study. This is with a view to adequately acquainting the readers with those concepts to fully grasp the proceedings of the study.
a. COURT: A government body consisting of one or more Judges who sit to adjudicate disputes and administer justice.
b. CAP: Refers to the chapter where the particular statute is contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.
c. HOME: A household constituted by members of a family living together.
d. INTEGRATED: The continued co-existence and functioning of several people as members of a particular family.
e. JURISDICTION: The powers of a court generally to exercise authority over the people before it and to adjudicate on the issues litigated before it.
f. L.F.N: Refers to the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.
g. POSITIVE LAW: The provisions of a statute made by a competent authority and codified in form of an enactment.
h. SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: Relations between people from a given society and includes, although is not limited to that of marriage.
i. VICE: Evil or immoral quality in the character of a person or the society.
CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
Broken homes, as a social problem, arguably, may continue to remain so and will prove difficult to eradicate, unless strong and adequate control measures are applied. Most societies tend to view the breakup of the home as pathology because it poses a serious threat to the traditional social structures. They as a result lack social support and welfare, and are often stigmatized by their healthy counterparts. They are stigmatized by the society, and made to suffer various social, economic, psychological and even political handicaps.
As a result of these conditions, the members of such families find it difficult to cope with the odds of life and usually lead lives full of scorn, isolation, depravity and dejectedness.
2.1 THEORETICAL REVIEW
Writers and scholars have written extensively on the problems of broken home in general and its effect on the society. For instance, the social, economic, and other factors that result in the break of a home; and the social, economic, psychological and other consequences of such circumstance have attracted the attention of scholars.Several factors have been identified as the cause of problem of broken home, together with its multifarious implications on both the family and the society. The broken home problem can be caused and rooted more than in any other factor, in the ostentatious reactions of the members of the particular family to the dynamics of society in which they exist. This situation, adopting the view of Haralambos & Healed (1980) is a product of conflict between the changing, ever dynamic society and its social and ideological composition.
This tallies with the contention of George Summel, that the scientific study of human behavior is a multi-paradigm science, hence such studies should not be viewed from one perspective. The study of the problem broken homes and its effects on the family in particular, and society in general, in this regard, cannot be an exception.
2.1.1 THE FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE
The functionalism approach holds that every institution of the society, like every organ of the human body has a functional pre-requisite to accomplish, failure of which leads to the disintegration of the system. These social institutions, which include the church, the school, the families, etc., have their different functions.
In other words, since every institution in the human society by their actions and inactions contribute to the well-being or problems of the society through their day-to-day activities, failure of any part of these social institutions to perform its functions ultimately pushes the society back to a state
of disintegration.
Becker (1991) suggests that when a home breaks up, the parents are less able to invest as much time in their children. As a result, their children's human capital will not be as developed and they will experience inferior adult outcomes. He argues that the family has the responsibility of shaping and educating the children so as to improve their social values. Failure to fulfill this obligation on the part of the family leads to an upsurge of societal vices like juvenile delinquents and other deviant attitudes in the society.
From the perspective of B. F. Skinner, personality is a collection of behavioural patterns arising from the interaction between an individual, his family and his society. He considers societal factors as stimulants and response configuration in explaining personality.
Spencer (1965) argues that an accepted premise of the functionalist position is that no human custom, institution, or set of behaviour exists in vaccuo; there always exists an interplay between the component elements of a social system (including the family), and a continuing interdependence between them is created on many different levels within their chain of interaction.
According to Nnatu (2004), in order to understand any part of the society, the part must be seen in relation to the society as a whole. She further contends that since the society is a system made up of interconnected and inter-related parts, a change in one part of the society leads to a change in the other parts. This implies that the key to understanding of the family lies in the examination of the family in terms of its relation to the social system, for a major change in the social system may affect the family and lead to its disintegration.
It is pertinent to note that although it may seriously be argued that the functionalist perspective has the following draw backs, viz: has difficulty in dealing with history and processes of change, has the tendency to exaggerate consensus, integration, and stability while disregarding conflict, dissent and instability, however, in line with the position of B.F. Skinner it is still a useful tool for describing society, identifying its structural parts and the functions of these parts towards analyzing various aspects of the family-society interaction.
2.1.2 CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE
Generally speaking, conflict perspective does not offer a unified point of view on many issues. Issues relating to family matters are no exceptions. Conflict theorists are concerned with how it is that some individuals or groups acquire power, dominate other groups, and affect their will in human efforts. Thus, it is the inevitable disagreements among people, groups and nations that lead to social change. The family in this context is no exception. The existence of conflicting interests and opinions coupled with the inevitable disagreements stemming from same in the home is the cause of its disintegration.
Some conflict theorists identify the inequality in the distribution of resources as the originator of conflicts within the home and which tends to break it. Laswell (1936) in this regard, links problems of broken home to the distribution of the family's resources than to a limited amount of resources available. That is, the main issue is not one of how much is available but one of which individual in the family will secure a disproportionate share of what is available. Consequently, the critical decisions that affect the home are made not in the over-all interest of the home but in the interest of those members of the home with capacity to impose their will on others.
Expanding human requirements and needs is placing ever increasing pressures on the character of the society (family inclusive) creating competition and conflicts and resulting in sub-optional use of all available resources and this disparity creates undue pressure on the family which in turn, leads to broken home. This is in line with the Marxist's theory of economic determinism to the effect that all men's action is the necessary outcome of economic motives.
Stone (1992) suggests that the consumer culture has made redundant the need for self-restraint. He argues that the most important influence of all in driving up the rate of broken homes is the idealization of the individual pursuit of self-gratification and personal pleasure at the expense of a sense of reciprocal obligations and duties towards helpless dependants, such as children and/or society as a whole.
Farnsworth (1990) opines that power, the ability to control the behaviour of others, even against their will determines who will gain and who will lose. Thus, people are usually separated into two camps on family matters. Those who favour development of the family against all odds and those primarily interested in pursuing their private interest, even to the detriment of the home. This conflict in the home thus leads to its breakup.
Amato (1993) describes the most pertinent perspective for the present purpose as the "Interparental Conflict" model. This perspective stresses that conflict between parents prior to and during the dissolution process is responsible for the lowered well-being of children of broken homes. As such it is not breaking of the home per se that determines the outcomes of children, but the stress and conflict associated with an unhappy home life. He argues that children may be drawn into the conflict between parents, and may not as a result learn the skills needed for the appropriate resolution of differences and building of relationships.
2.1.3 THE INTERACTIONIST PERSPECTIVE
While the functionalist and conflict perspectives focused on the macro or larger-scale structure of society, the interactionist perspective has traditionally been more concerned with the micro or smaller-scale aspect of social life. Interactionists emphasize that humans are social beings who susceptible to group existence. Basically, symbolic interactionism focuses upon the ways in which meanings emerge through interaction. Its prime concern is to analyze the meanings of everyday life, in a close observational work and intimate familiarity, and from these develop an understanding of the underlying forms of human interaction.
Symbolic interactionsim has focus on four perspectives. The first highlights the ways in which human beings are distinctly always concerned to study the ways in which people give meaning to their feelings, their actions, and to the wider social worlds in which their lives exist.
The second highlights process and emergence. For the interactionist, the social world is a dynamic and dialectal web, situations are always encountered with unstable outcomes, and lives and biographies are always in the process of shifting and becoming, never fixed, not upon rigid structures, but upon streams of activity with their adjustments and outcomes.
The third focus highlights that the social world is - interactive. From this point of view there is no such thing as solidarity individual; humans are always connected to 'others'. The most basic unit of interaction analysis is that of the self, which stresses the ways in which people can come to view themselves as objects, and assume the role of others through a process of the role taking.
The final focus is that interactionists look beneath the symbols, processes, and interactions in order to determine the underlying patterns or forms of social life. From interactionism, one gains an image of human beings as active agents who fashion their behaviour, as opposed to an image of individuals who simply respond passively in a manner prescribed by social rules and institutional arrangements. Thus, symbolic interactionists focus their sociological eye upon "people behaviours".
Marshall (1996) identifies actions and inactions of individual members of the family as the sources of the problem of broken home. To overcome problems, actions involving human judgments, decisions, and choices, should be taken.
2.2 REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL LITERATURE
2.2.1 MEANING AND DESCRIPTION OF A BROKEN HOME
Many people have different definitions of what a broken home is. Every definition matters. To Colcord (1919), a broken home is a home in which one of or both parents have been removed by death, divorce, desertion, separation of prolonged absence. Polanen (1990) maintains that although a broken home is usually taken to mean a home where one parent has been by certain cause, a home can still be broken with both parents present. She argues that if there is no communication, interaction or investment in each other's lives by the couple, the home is broken and becomes a house with roommates.
From the above, it follows that a home is deemed to be broken when the couple that constitute it (i.e. husband and wife) cease to live together functionally as an integrated unit, whether or not they physically live together. In such a home, the chain of communication and interaction that should exist between the members of the family as a single, integrated unit is relatively non-existent. The parents cannot just get along, and the children live in a world of their own.
This l ends credence to the view of Saheed (1988) when he opined that a broken home consists of a family whose members are separated or divorced. It consists of a family sundered by divorce, separation or desertion of a parent(s).
Owens (2000) maintains that a broken home may be classified either by the degree of disintegration existent in it or by the duration of the disintegration. Under the first mode of classification, the breakup of a home may be partial or complete. Partial breakup of a home refers to a situation where the members of the family continue to cohabit although the machinery for the function of the home as a single, integrated unit has ceased to exist. Thus the members of the family physically live together while functionally, they no longer live or exist as a family. Conversely, complete breakup of a home refers to a situation where the family ceases to live together both physically and functionally.
Under the second mode of classification, he argues that the breakup of a home may be temporal of permanent. Temporal breakup of a home refers to a situation where the adverse condition of the home is expected to last for a fixed or determinable period of time. This is typical of cases of judicial separation or separation by agreement simpliciter. Conversely, permanent breakup of a home refers to a situation where the adverse condition of the home is expected to last in perpetuity or indefinitely. This is generally typical of cases of divorce.
Margaret (1918) argues that before the home is broken, the individual members of such home are first broken or wrecked. This characterization does not necessarily mean a physical or mental wreck (although it may include same), but refers to bankruptcy in health, hopes, prospects etc for the time being. She maintains that they lack the power or will to dominate adverse conditions, allowing same to overcome them. They may not even as individuals be conscious of their own share or contributions towards the difficulties in which the family finds itself, but are aware that something has seriously gone wrong. Once this obtains, the home evolves to the stage of breaking-up.
2.2.2 HOW DO HOMES BREAK?
From the definition of a broken home as given by Colcord (1919), it is imperative that a home may be broken in any of the following five ways, viz; death, divorce, desertion, separation or prolonged absence of either or both parents. These indices will be analyzed seriatim:
1. DEATH: The death of a parent(s) may lead to a broken home. This is usually the case where the deceased member is the backbone of the home. Bosanquet (1906) contends that the death of the breadwinner of the home usually ushers in a plethora of problems and difficulties which if not promptly and properly addressed may tear the home apart.
Supporting this view Colcord (1919) contends that such a member of the home being the fulcrum on which the functionality and continuity of the family as a homogenous and integrated unit revolves, the family will cease to function continuously and continually on the demise of such a person. The home ceases to function continuously when the balance maintained in its affairs wears out and it can no longer independently sustain its members on individual basis having lost the capacity to provide for their economic, social, psychological, intellectual and moral needs. The home also ceases to function continually when as a result of the aggregation of the unresolved problems of its individual members as highlighted above, it can no longer sustain itself as a single, integrated unit capable of independent co-existence with other families without such problems.
When this situation obtains in any home owing to the death of any of the parent(s), which situation would not have occurred but for the demise of such person, the home is deemed to be broken. It will not be unusual to see members of such families seeking alternative measures to cushion the effect of such occurrence towards the resolution of their problems.
2. DIVORCE: Garner (2005) defines divorce as "the legal dissolution of a marriage." This implies that the concept of divorce comes into play when the mechanism and machinery of the law is set in motion towards the dissolution of the legally recognized union of a man and woman, otherwise called marriage. This lends credence to the fact that most times, it is referred to as marital dissolution or dissolution of marriage. Hornby (2006) sees it as the legal ending of a marriage.
In further expatiation of this view, Thomas & Henry (1985) argue that divorce may be classified either by the institution from which it was obtained, or by the extent or degree of dissolution obtained. Under the first mode of classification, divorce may be in form of Legislative Divorce or Judicial Divorce. Legislative divorce refers to the legal termination of a particular marriage brought about by an enactment made by the legislature. Here, the particular marriage is terminated owing to a legislative enactment to that effect. This is also referred to as Parliamentary Divorce and was mostly obtainable in the past, having become obsolete. Conversely, judicial divorce refers to the legal termination of a particular marriage as decreed by a court of competent jurisdiction. This form of divorce is commonly obtained nowadays.
Under the second mode of classification, divorce may be in form of Divorce a mensa et thoro or Divorce a vinculo matrimonii. The former is a Latin maxim which literally means divorce form board and hearth and refers to a partial of qualified divorce by which the parties were separated and allowed or ordered to live apart, but remained technically married. Supporting this view, Bumpass et al (1995) contends that it was the forerunner of modern judicial separation.
Conversely, the latter is a Latin maxim which literally translates to divorce from the chains of marriage and refers to a total and complete divorce of husband and wife, dissolving the marriage tie and relieving the parties wholly from their matrimonial obligations. Again supporting this view, Bumpass et al argues that in certain instances, this type of divorce bastardized any children from the marriage especially on reasonable grounds that existed before the marriage.
The implication of divorce on a marriage cum family is that legally, it ceases to exist and since the institution of marriage is the backbone on which the home is built and sustained, there is no gainsaying the fact that on its dissolution, the home breaks apart.
3. DESERTION: The desertion of the home by either parent(s) may lead to its breakup. Implicit in the definition of desertion as given by Hornby (2006) is the fact that it refers to an abandonment of the home without help or support. Credence is lent to this view by the position of Garner (2005), stating that it is the willful and unjustified abandonment of a person's duties or obligations especially to a spouse or family.
In further expatiation, Nock (1995) maintains that there are three forms of desertion, viz: constructive desertion, criminal desertion and obstinate desertion. Constructive desertion refers to a situation where a spouse is forced by the conduct of the other members of the family to leave or abandon the home. This usually occurs where the action of the offending spouse is so grave and serious that the deserting party finds continuation in the home to be unendurable or even dangerous to his or her safety and well-being, and finds it necessary to seek safety outside the confines of the home.
Criminal desertion refers to a situation where a parent(s), without just cause willfully fails to provide towards the care, protection and support of the other members of the family as he or she was wont to do. Obstinate desertion refers to a situation where a spouse persistently refuses to return to the home, or to his or her duties and obligations to the family. If either spouse indulges in the last two forms of desertion, it is enough ground for the other to seek a divorce.
Morgan et al (1987) maintains that desertion is distinct from divorce in that divorce naturally applies only to married couples whereas, any member of the family is susceptible to desertion. Also, if the deserting member is either spouse, he or she does not usually consider absence from home or abandonment of duties and obligations as final and definite such as in divorce.
Since desertion involves the jettisoning or abandonment of the home and/or duties and obligations to the family by a member of such family, this invariably wears out the bond of confidence, dedication and faithfulness that ordinarily should exist between the members of the family and thus, brings about the breakup of the home.
4. SEPARATION: This strictly applies to a married couple. According to Hornby (2006), it is a decision that a husband and wife make to live apart while remaining married. This view is supported by Garner (2005) stating that it is an arrangement whereby a husband and wife live apart form each other while remaining married by mutual consent.
From the above views, it is safe to infer that there exists a difference between divorce and separation. While divorce usually involves the employment of the instrumentality of the law towards the dissolution of a marriage, separation merely involves a mutual agreement between the particular couple to stay apart. Where such arrangement is made by the court with the consent of the couple, it is referred to as judicial separation.
Where the couple so decide to stay apart although they remain legally married, this invariably exposes the family to several vices and problems which may culminate in a broken home.
5. PROLONGED ABSENCE: Colcord (1919) maintains that the prolonged absence of a member of the family invariably leads to a broken home. This is predicated on the fact that such a member, one way or the other ceases to contribute his quota towards the economic, psychological, social, intellectual and moral development of the family due to prolonged absence. The vacuum created by the absence of such a person lays the foundation for the intrusion of several vices and problems into the home which if unchecked, will on the long run disintegrate the home.
2.2.3 CAUSES OF BROKEN HOME
Polanen (1990) maintains that aside death which is a natural occurrence unquestionable by any, the factors that cause the breakup of a home may be categorized into two viz: contributory factors in the family itself, and contributory factors in the society. While the former refers to those factors attributable to the character and inclination of the individual members of the family, the latter refers to those factors attributable to the society in which the particular family continues.
2.2.3.1 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS IN THE FAMILY
1. ACTUAL MENTAL DEFICIENCY: Polanen (1990) argues that character weaknesses, if unchecked, grade down by degrees into real mental defect or disorder and not even the psychiatrist can draw a line. Such character weaknesses include feeble-mindedness, closely connected as it usually is with inefficiency, unwarranted neglect of family obligations, lack of self-control, indulgence in violent and uncontrollable passions like anger, infatuation to another and jealousy which may crystallize into cold dislike.
Lichter et al (1991) invariably states that the problem posed by these prolonged character weaknesses which deteriorate into actual mental deficiency becomes aggravated if it was induced by heredity. For instance, if a boy has for a father or grandfather, men of violent and abusive temper who drink habitually, neglect family obligations and treat the wife with abuse and disrespect, he more often than not grows up exhibiting tendencies of such character traits of his progenitors. In event of having his own family, a replay of such inherent character weakness is usually inevitable.
Supporting the above view, Thornton (1991) contends that the percentage of homes broken by the exhibition by a member of hereditary character weaknesses is usually higher than that caused by exhibition of non-hereditary character weakness or psychopathic personality. Thus, the mentally undisciplined youth is handicapped both as spouse and parent.
2. FAULTS IN EARLY TRAINING: Thornton (1991) contends that low ideals of home life and of personal obligation is capable of disintegrating the home and much about this is traceable to family irresponsibility and default in the proper training or up-bringing of the child. Credence is lent to this view by the position of Margaret (1918) maintaining that it is more or less the rule for children always to follow the footsteps of weak or vicious parents since the character of parents unconsciously form part of the training given to their children. Experience has shown that children from healthy homes, or those who growing up are taught by observation to avoid the faults in their own homes often make good parents themselves.
Morgan et al (1987) state that even more insidious in its effect on later marital history is the home in which no self-control is learned. This includes the so-called "'good homes' in which children are exposed to petting, cuddling and over-indulgence extensively, especially by parents who fail to stand up to their responsibilities. On entry into married life, such children display utter inability to handle the pros and cons of married life and such homes hardly survive. Thus, the morally undisciplined child is handicapped as both spouse and parent.
3. DIFFERENCES IN BACKGROUND: Margaret (1918) opines that even though both man and woman come from good homes, if these homes are widely and radically different in standards and in cultural backgrounds, strains may develop in later life between the couple. Differences in race, religion, and age are recognized as having a causative relation to the problem of broken home.
Thorton (1991) in supporting this view, contends that in about 28 percent of the cases where the facts were ascertained, the husband and wife of a broken home were of different nationality; in 27 percent of the cases where the facts were ascertained, there were differences of over six years in age between the two; and in about 19 percent of the cases where the facts were ascertained, there were differences in religion between the two.
Other differences which should find mention in under this head are those that arise when environment is changed due to immigration. Colcord (1919) states that were either of the spouse moves out of the family's place of domicile and travels to another location either temporarily or for a fixed period, the spouse is more often discovered to have outgrown the other in reasoning indices and behavior. She further argues that the handicap is not wholly overcome when the couple relocate together, since different people possess different senses and propensities of perception of the environment around them and different rates of adaptation to same. Thus, it is not altogether unpopular to hear the saying that girls who have been in urban cities for long do not make good wives; that a man who wants to marry had better send for a girl from the countryside; and such marriages seem on the whole to turn out well compared relatively with marriages between the "city-girl" and a "country-husband".
4. WRONG BASIS OF MARRIAGE: Included here should be the hasty marriages, mercenary marriages, marriage entered into unwillingly after pregnancy had occurred, as well as marriages where coercion was a factor, as well as other reasons. Polanen(1990) maintains that where either of the spouse was coerced into the marriage by parents or relatives, such marriage usually is deemed to wreck on the long-run.
Margaret (1918) contends that it is not uncommon to see females dating a man who ordinarily, they will not want to marry. Where pregnancy results from such amoral affair and one way or the other, the lady ends up with the man as his wife, such marriage tend to breakup after a while. Bumpass et al (1995) while supporting this view, opines that the reason for same is that there is complete absence of the underlying bond which should exist between married couples.
To Colcord (1919), where there has been sexual relations before marriage, unless the custom of the particular society permits such intimacy, there is likely to develop jealousies, quarrels and ill-feelings. "He is always casting it up at me, but sure, it was him who is to blame" remains a version of the age-old story.
There should also be included here those irregular unions called customary marriages which is allowed virtually throughout the globe. Thomas & Henry (1985) contend that the protection supposed to be afforded to the woman by this institution is merely fictitious, as it is practically impossible to secure conviction for bigamy. If the man deserts, he may admit the wife's claim upon him, but is not bound to return and this fact undoubtedly plays its part in the causation of broken homes.
5. LACK OF EDUCATION: Saheed (1988) argues that the broken home problem is linked to the level of education. In general, the more educated a person is, the less likely inclined the person will be to walk out of marriage and the home. He argues that the rate of broken homes is 30 percent lower among couples who have completed secondary school, and 80 percent lower among couples who have completed university education than among those who have not completed secondary school. Also, lower intelligence scores increases the risk of broken home. Polanen (1990) is however of the view that more is involved under this head than scanty "book-learning". She argues that ignorance of the physical and spiritual basis of married life is one of the potent causes of broken homes.
The views presented under this head is supported by a typical example cited by Colcord (1919) of the home of a certain Alfred West broken by the desertion of the husband. There seemed at first no good explanation for him to desert his home. Both his record and that of his wife were good, and their mutual fondness of the children seemed a strong bond. They constantly bickered however, over the small income Alfred was able to earn, and his wife and her relations looked down upon him as being lower than they in the social scale. Inquiry into past history showed that he had grown up in a community where there were no facilities for education, and that he could not read nor write until after his marriage. Although of average capacity, he was restricted by his early lack of training in his choice of a job, and the mortification and sense of inferiority which his wife fostered led to discouragement and indifference which ended in desertion. It took a thorough understanding of the two backgrounds involved by enable a social worker effect reconciliation, with the woman's eyes opened to her ungenerous behavior and the man taking steps to improve his education in a night school.
6. OCCUPATIONAL FAULTS: Colcord (1919) contends that closely allied to the foregoing and in some respects growing out of it, is the shortcoming on the employment side that contributes to marital instability. Most of this can be referred back to lack of education or opportunity in youth, or even to defects in character. Laziness, incompetence, lack of skill in any trade, lack of application, or, on the other hand, the possession by a man with no business stake in the community of a trade at which he can work wherever he takes his family to go, or of a trade which is seasonal and shifting, all have a direct relation to the issue of broken home.
Corresponding to and complementing the man's industrial defects, and springing from the same causes is the woman's failure in the business of being a housewife. The wife's laziness, incompetence, lack of interest, and lack of skill and knowledge creates the sort of home that tends to get itself broken. These faults in the wife are responsible for as many broken homes probably as are the faults of the husband. When the man and the wife are both industrial failures, the extremity of family breakdown is found and is usually a "chronic non-support case".
7. POVERTY AND MONEY TROUBLES: Saheed (1988) maintains that poverty on the part of the husband has been identified as a prime factor responsible for broken homes. Gone are the days when employment opportunities were apparent in our society. Today the reverse is the case as millions of school graduates with certificates remain floating in the already saturated labour market. Moreover, millions of workers are now rendered unemployed due to one problem or the other in the economic system. A good number of families thus live from hand to mouth as a result of quagmire of poverty and penury. This leads to inability of the husband to provide adequately for the family, hence there is breakup.
This view is supported by the position of McLanahan (1989), stating that in general, the greater a man's income relative to his spouse's, the higher the marriage rate and the lower the divorce rate. For women, marriage rates are highest in local areas that offer the fewest economic alternatives to marriage. The more women earn, the less attractive marriage appears to be in general. Family breakup rate doubles for young married couples if the husband is unemployed at any time during the first year of marriage, and is 50 percent higher if both spouses are unemployed.
According to the University of Wisconsin Professor, Larry Bumpass in his 1990 presidential address to the Population Association of America, "If marriage assures neither a two-parent family for the child, nor lifetime economic security for the woman, the need of marriage is much less compelling".
However, Colcord (1919) contends that aside poverty, problems in management of family finance may lead to a broken home. A family may be resourceful in terms of finance but if it cannot adequately allocate such financial resources to appropriately meet competing needs, it is no better than a poor family and in fact, may even fare worse since the poor know that they have not; but such family is like the proverbial ignorant who despite proximity to a water source, makes do with spittle in lieu of water.
8. ILL HEALTH AND INFERTILITY: Colcord (1919) maintains that researchers and academicians are agreed that physical health condition plays a part, though usually indirect and secondary in the breakup of a home. Ill health in the man may lower his vitality, cause irregular work, and super induce a condition of despondency and readiness to give in. In the woman, it brings about careless housekeeping, lack of attractiveness, and disinclination to sexual intercourse, all being factors that directly culminate in a broken home. Continued ill health breeds financial and other burdens which tend to lower the morale of the family members and induces frustration which can lead to a broken home.
Akin to the ill health factor is the issue of infertility. Saheed (1988) opines that infertility of the home is another major factor leading to a broken home. In a situation where a couple live together for over a decade and there are no children, problems will arise, such that the couple may begin to suspect each other of the misfortunes of the family. Such misunderstanding in no small way has contributed to the collapse of many homes in recent times.
Polanen (1990) supports this view, stating that the inability o have children by a couple can lead to a broken home. The joy of every marriage is for the couple to be blessed with children, but where none is forthcoming, it can lead to frustration and eventual breakup of the marriage. In societies where male children are preferred and accorded higher social status and privileges than their female counterparts, the inability of the couple to have male children may lead to serious tension which if left unchecked may disintegrate the home, not minding the fact that the family already has female children.
10. TEMPERAMENTAL INCOMPATIBILITY: Colcord (1919) contends that temperamental differences and incompatibility may adversely affect the overall well-being of the home and eventually cause its breakup if not promptly addressed and checked. Such differences in standards of right and wrong, proper and improper conduct, etc are common examples. This is usually manifested in the bringing-up of the children. Extreme self-righteousness on the part of one or the other, nagging, petty criticism, unreasonable jealousy, "sulking-spells" and violent quarrels are some of its manifestations.
Bumpass et al (1995) while supporting this view, state that the idea of over-possession exercised by either of the couple, especially a tendency to dominate or try to control on the part of the woman, may be a causal factor leading to a broken home. He further argues that the lack of a saving sense of humor in on or both spouses is often a complicating factor. These comparatively minor differences take a on a serious complexion in the minds of the couple and disintegrate their union.
In adoption of the above positions, Polanen (1990) states that incompatibility of the couple could lead to conflict. It is expected that a couple should understand themselves after marriage. However, when there are too many conflicts among them, this could lead to separation.
11. SEXUAL INCOMPATIBILITY: Colcord (1919) contends that this single cause operates disastrously to disrupt many marriages or else render them unstable. Where the sex habits of the couple are incompatible, for instance, the man is a selfish brute, or the wife suffers from sexual anesthesia, the stage is set for a broken home.
Bumpass et al (1995) maintains that such strange sexual perversions in either couple could led to separation. Sex maladjustments, both physical, mental or spiritual which inhibits the complete sexual satisfaction of one or both of the couple can disintegrate their union.
12. VICIOUS HABITS: Indulgence in certain bad practices and habits may spell woe for a home. Polanen (1990) states that infidelity of either couple could lead to a broken home. When either the husband or wife is unfaithful to the extent of having extra-marital affairs, this can lead to conflicts, which eventually may break the home.
This view is supported by Saheed (1988), maintaining that infidelity is a good reason for a broken home. This problem is very common in the society today because couples enjoy having extra-marital affairs outside the matrimonial home. In the man, it may culminate in polygamy which in itself is a bomb which leads to the collapse of the institution of marriage of which surprisingly, it is a form. This is based on the premise that a polygamous family is dominated by jealousy, rivalry and undue competition for the love of the husband, all being indices that lead to the collapse of a home.
Another of such ill practices is alcoholism. Colcord (1919) maintains that the causal relation of alcoholism to the issue of broken home is so direct and ostensive that it ought not be included among contributory factors at all. Being an active poison to the cells of the nervous system, it may bring about deteriorations of the mind and character that are directly to blame for such anti-social phenomena like broken homes. The same is true in less degree of the use of narcotics; though drug habits are far less common in connection with broken homes than alcoholism. Alcoholism in the woman is a real contributory factor and nowadays is very frequent. It is believed that alcoholism is more devastating in its effects on character in women than in en, and that there is less hope of a cure.
13. INADEQUATE COURTSHIP: Saheed (1988) maintains that another major factor causing separation of couples is inadequate courtship. The lady is often interested in money and the man in beauty. Couples no longer wait longer to study each other's likes and dislikes. Absence of courtship leads to incompatibility after marriage. This is because where a lady marries a man because of money, the end of money means the end of the marriage; and a man who marries a lady because of beauty becomes less interested in her when beauty begins to fade after two children. This makes a marriage hit the rocks in a short period after its consummation.
2.2.3.2 CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS IN THE COMMUNITY
Polanen (1990) and Colcord (1919) are both agreed that the family's immediate community, one way or the other influences their breakup. They identify the following factors as being contributed by the community in this regard:
1. INTERFERENCE OF RELATIVES: The tendency of relatives to take sides against their in-law is a matter for everyone's observation and is frequently found to be a serious factor leading to a broken home. The harmful interference of relatives may break an otherwise stable home. Relatives can be a causal factor of marital discord even without directly interfering. For instance, a couple may become inclined to a habit of frequent quarrels and temporary separations because of parents who stand ready to take them back whenever they choose to live apart. Relatives within the home as well as outside it may exercise an unfortunate influence on marital relations.
2. RACIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS MARRIAGE: The racial factor is a strong contributory factor to the broken home affair. Not only the individual's own background, but also the attitude of the people whence he grew up towards the sanctity of marriage, towards the position of women in the home, and towards the importance of restraint in sexual relations, have effects on the broken home rate of any given social group.
3. COMMUNITY STANDARDS: It cannot be over-emphatically stated that any tendency in the community to belittle or ridicule the estate of matrimony has a definite effect on its breakup. The series in comic supplements, certain comic films in the moving picture shows and forms of drama referred to as "bedroom farce" are examples of these destructive forces. Most of the people who laugh at them accept tem as a humorous formula and are not seriously affected by them; but their educational effect on young people is bound to be bad and false to the last degree. In so far as they overemphasize romantic love and disparage conjugal love, the originators of these materials do great disservice to the family.
Another way in which the community may affect the popular conception of marriage is in the administration of civil marriage. Lack of care in the enforcement of laws relating to marriage and lack of gravity in the performance of the ceremonies may have a decided reaction on respect for those laws and for the institution itself. Similarly, the administration of divorce laws may affect the popular conception of marriage. It is not unusual to see an entire neighbourhood condone a situation where a spouse deserts the home for another man or woman on the grounds that if they had been rich, they could have got a divorce.
4. LACK OF RECREATION: Although affects the person of the individual, proper recreation depends in a large measure on what the community provides or makes available. The tendency of a man to get his recreation apart from his family in saloons and social clubs is responsible for many family maladjustments. Any change in family habits of recreation which means that the family enjoy fewer things together is a danger signal, the seriousness of which is not always appreciated. Faulty recreation is a factor in family breakdown.
5. INFLUENCE OF COMPANIONS: As a contributory factor to the problem of broken home, this is closely connected with the other factors. Neighbourhood standards, as they affect individuals, are apt to be transmitted through the small group nearest to the family members; as it is trite that a man's companions have the freest opportunity of influencing him during their common periods of interaction. The influence of companions is not often met as a force deliberately exerted to bring about a broken home; but on the other hand, a man's own mental contrast between his condition and that of his other companions often plays a definite part in his subsequent behavioural reaction in the home.
2.2.4 SOCIAL STATUS OF A BROKEN HOME
The International Encyclopedia of Social Sciences, states that until the year 1920, the term 'status' was most commonly used to refer to either the legally enforceable capacities or limitations of people, or to their relative superiority or inferiority, whichever was applicable. More recently however, the rights and duties fixed by law seem increasingly significant than those fixed by custom, though each plays significant roles in its determination. Thus, the term 'status' has come to be a synonym for the position of a person or institution in any social system.
Formerly, superiority of status could mean any sort of hierarchical ordering of power, authority, wealth or honour; but presently to many, superiority of status refers only to self-esteem, prestige, honour and respect, which are all subject to varying forms of evolution.
Luiton (1936) states that a status is marked off by the fact the destructive belief about, and expectation of several actors are organized around it. He asserts that several constitutional characteristics are very common basis of status. Nevertheless, he points out the fact that status is a phenomenon not borne of the intrinsic characteristics of man, but of social organization; for while it is in the nature of one society to define status in terms of a particular characteristic, in other societies, it may be completely irrelevant to consider the same characteristics. Even where the same characteristics are used, it may be employed differently by different societies. What matters therefore, Luiton concludes, is not what really is but what people believe. To this end, sociology typically takes status as the basic unit while analyzing a social system.
In his own view, Mahnwsky (1976) states that in all societies, a socially recognized family has been recognized as indispensable to the social system. He insists that a family is only socially recognized if composed of all its members intact as a single and functional unit.
Also commenting on the same issue, David Sills in the International Encyclopedia of Social Science, states that the significance of legitimacy is a necessary condition for the family to carry out its functions. In this sense, he argues that the initial meaning of the phrase 'broken home' is not that the family constituting same has no status, but rather, that it lacks any recognized position in the society.
Adopting the above position, Coser (1974) in his work titled "Family, its structure and function" posits that all members of the family must exist as an integrated unit before legitimacy can be socially conferred. He thus concludes that roughly speaking, a broken home is under a social bar with the attendant consequences on its members.
Also Mahnwsky
(1976) in his book, "Parenthood, The Basic Social Structure", introduced a principle which he regarded as a universal sociological law which stipulates that no child should be brought into this world without a socially recognized home. He considers this as the most important moral and legal rule for the child's psychological development.
Coser (1974) also suggests that the principle of legitimacy does not operate under the adverse condition of a broken home. In such cases, the home need not trouble itself about her social status as it has and acquires none. He insists that whether the children and their mother are stigmatized or the same obtains on the part of the father, the principle of legitimacy obtains throughout mankind and thus, a family of only a spouse and the children is incomplete, making the sociological and psychological position of the absent member of the family to be regarded as indisputable.
2.2.5 EFFECTS OF BROKEN HOME ON THE FAMILY AND THE SOCIETY
Polanen (1990) maintains that a broken home has a number of effects on the particular family involved. Some of these are immediate while the others only begin to manifest after a short period of time.
Colcord (1919) states that chief amongst the effects of a broken home on the family is its effects on the children of such homes. She maintains that there is a mountain of scientific evidence showing that when families disintegrate, children often end up with intellectual, physical and emotional scars that persist for life. All these ills trace back predominantly to the broken family. This position lends credence to the age-old adage that when two elephants fight, the grass beneath suffer.
Saheed (1988) supports this view, stating that children form broken homes end up with a condition that is called Attachment Disorder. As the phrase suggests, it is the lack of attachment that brings about a package of ill behaviours. A neglected and abused child of a broken home ends up with it, since no one cares for him or her. He lives in emotional pain all the time, thus, hurting people comes naturally. The child may even with a reasonable allowance still indulge in stealing, drugs and other delinquent acts. He maintains that young-offender laws cannot undo the feeling of insecurity and low self-esteem that these children grow up with.
McLanahan (1989) opines that the most significant consequence of a broken home is that it increases the propensity of children form such homes to experience marital instability in future. Men and women from divorced families are more likely to experience separation and divorce.
Luiton (1936) states that when a marriage breaks up, the parents are less able to invest as much time in their children as necessarily required. As a result, their children's human capital will not be as developed as supposed and they will experience inferior adult outcomes. At times, the children are drawn into the conflict between their parents, and may not as a result, learn the skills needed for the appropriate resolution of differences and building of viable relationships.
Margaret (1918) suggests that the stability of a home is important for its prosperity as it affects its income. A broken home poses harmful effects on the income of the family. For a mother with children, divorce increases her financial responsibilities and typically, correspondingly force upwards her hours of work outside the home. This additional work hours also disrupt her network of support for parenting her children.
Krantz (1988) argues that the breakup of the home ushers in a dramatic decline in the standard of living of its members. The worst hit are those belonging to the lower socio-economic groups since they experience greater hardships in event of a broken home.
Morgan et al (1987) supports this view, and maintains that after a home is broken, their assets and most times, the matrimonial home inclusive may be sold and the proceeds used to start off again. In conclusion, he states that evidence indicates that the income of broken households with children drops significantly, thereby lessening the likelihood of asset formation.
Coser (1974) maintains that the breakup of the home reduces its rating or ranking in the society. Its social status most times is reduced to zero level. Members of such families are looked down on in the society, scorned and disdained. Most times, they are deprived of certain societal benefits and privileges available to other stable homes. This typically applies in the Nigerian context where it is unthinkable that a divorced woman without re-marring can stand for an elective position.
Polanen (1990) argues that the ever-increasing rate of broken homes endangers the society since it increases the number of juvenile delinquents and other social deviants. The groups represented here take to all sorts of crime and other social vices that undermine the effective and efficient functioning and continued existence of the society.
Saheed (1988) suggests that the nation's economic difficulties are rooted not in technical economic forces (like exchange rate or capital formation); but in fundamental moral causes. He argues that there exists a deeply intuitive reasoning that the success of a market-based economy greatly depends on a highly developed sense of social morality – trustworthiness, honesty, concern for future generations, an ethic of service to others, a human society that takes care of those in need, frugality instead of greed, high standards of quality and concern for community amongst others. These economically desirable social values, in turn are seen as rooted in family values. Thus, the link in public reasoning between a healthy family and a robust economy, though indirect, is clear and firm. He states that when the rate of broken homes is on the increase, these desirable social values are taken away from the society and this contingency in turn affects the economic condition of the society adversely.
2.2.6 POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Colcord (1919) argues that the solutions to the problem of broken home in the society may be classified into preventive and corrective measures of control. The preventive measures refers to those undertaken to inhibit the possible collapse of the family structure while the corrective measures, conversely, refers to those undertaken as panacea to help ameliorate the condition of an already broken home.
Saheed (1988) maintains that the education of the masses on marriage principles remain a sure way of preventing the breakup of the home. He argues that marriages are falling apart and other marriages never begin as adults may choose to cohabit as sexual partners and sometimes have children, instead of get married. He opines that churches and Christian organizations must teach marriage principles so that marriages will last. Sound biblical education is necessary to put marriages back on firm foundation.
Lichter et al (1991) seriously contend that the adoption of good habits may help prevent and/or correct the problem of broken home. Where the causal factor stems from the vicious habits of either of the spouse, a total renouncement of such habits may help restore the love and confidence which ought to exist in the home and save it from tearing apart.
Colcord (1919) is of the view that the government should review laws relating to divorce and judicial separation so as to make it more difficult and less favourable for couples to obtain a divorce, except where the situation cannot be helped. At all times, correction of the problem leading to such ugly situation should be emphasized while the option of dissolving the marriage should be de-emphasized.
Morgan et al (1987) argues that if more and better job opportunities are created in the society, it may go a long way in improving the economic situation of most families and this in turn will help reduce the rate of broken homes attributed to poverty as a causal factor.
2.3 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The problem of broken home and its effects on the family in particular, and the society in general could better be understood using the functionalist theory. Since every research enterprise is based on a theory or set of theories which provide the general orientation for the researcher's arguments, assumptions and predictions, the theoretical thrust of this study is based on the functionalist theory.
Functionalism is associated with the work of well known sociologists such as Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, an American Sociologist who is regarded as the father of modern functionalism.
The functionalist holds that the society is composed of different parts and that each of these parts has an important function or duty to perform towards maintaining the society as a functional whole, and that these parts are closely related such that any malfunctioning of one of these parts leads to a state of disequilibrium while the functioning of all the parts lead to a state of equilibrium or homeostatic. It presupposes here that the survival is based on the compatibility of the different parts of the social structures in terms of functions and roles they play.
Functionalism seeks to describe the social system in terms of structures, mechanisms, processes, and functions and to explain why a given structure rather than another contributes to the satisfaction of a given functional requisite at a given time. Basically, functionalists agree that society serves definite basic needs or requirement which otherwise is called functional pre-requisites which must be met if the society is to survive.
Relating the functionalist theory to this study, it has been observed that there are reciprocal ties that bind the individual members of the home, and also other reciprocal ties binding the family as a single, integrated unit to the mechanism of the society in general. For instance, the adoption of vicious habits by a spouse (like infidelity, drunkenness or even crime at the extreme) ushers in several forces that weaken the bond that traditionally should exist in the home. On the long run, this may lead to its collapse.
The collapse of the home presupposes that the duties and obligations that accrue to the individual members are no longer to be discharged as of course. This spells severe hardship on the family members. The children most times may take to crime and other delinquent activities. This in turn affects the society as experiences tremendous increase in crime rate and other anti-social behaviours. At the extreme, this increase may affect both local and foreign investment in the economy leading to severe hardship to the society in general.
Conversely, corruption and embezzlement of public funds by those in authority presupposes that the society may no longer be able to provide for the needs of its constituent members. Economically, these individual members suffer untold hardship as they are unable to meet up with their obligations due to unavailability of necessary resources. This situation in turn spells doom for the home.
The inability of the family breadwinner to provide food and other necessities for the household will usher in several deviant behaviours in the character of the individual members that constitute the home e.g., prostitution, drunkenness, armed robbery etc and no doubt, continuance of this will ultimately culminate in a broken home.
Functionalists, adopting the concept of manifest and latent functions of social behavior as propounded by Robert Merton, emphasize that to avoid this problem of broken home and attendant consequences, human beings must become more sensitive to both the manifest (those consequences that are intended and recognized by the participant in a system), and latent (those consequences that are neither intended nor recognized by the participants in a system) consequences of their actions both in the family set up, and in the society generally. Such precaution will lead to a state of balance or equilibrium necessary for the continual and continuous functioning of both the home and the society as integrated units.
2.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
From the review of the causes, effects and solutions to the issue of broken home and its effects on both the family and society so far discussed, the following researchable hypothesis have been drawn:
1. H0: Corruption in public service does not increase the problem of broken home.
H1: Corruption in public service increases the problem of broken home.
2. H0: If the media is involved, the problem of broken home will not be reduced.
H1: If the media is involved, the problem of broken home will be reduced.
3. H0: The stability of the home does not contribute towards the economic stability of the society.
H1: The stability of the home contributes towards the economic stability of the society.
4. H0: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase risk of crime and delinquent activities in society.
H1: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase risk of crime
and delinquent activities in society.
5. H0: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children.
H1: Increase in rate of broken homes increases the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This discusses the methods of investigation of the problems of research. It thus explains the source of data for this study. The chapter further describes the population of the study in terms of its relevant features particularly, its size and geographical distributions, as well as the sampling techniques and sample size.
3.1 AREA OF THE STUDY
The research covers the entire towns that comprise the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Such towns include Awka which is the capital of Anambra State of Nigeria, Amawbia, Umuawulu, Mbaukwu, Nibo, Nise and Isiagu. Apart from Awka and Amawbia, the rest are rural areas. Although designated as urban areas, Awka and Amawbia still have areas with rural setting and may better be described as a sub-urban areas.
3.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
To treat the problem of broken home and its effect on the family in particular and the society in general in its entirety as the problematic focus of this research will be too cumbersome for the requirements of this study. Thus, this research will be restricted only to the problem of broken home and its effect on the family and society as it relates to Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria, which is the area of the study.
3.3 POPULATION OF THE STUDY
The population of the study comprises of all the individuals Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria. Based on the National Population Commission (N.P.C.) 1991 Census Report, the population of Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State is Ninety Five Thousand (95,000). Out of this figure, Awka has a population figure of 37,000; Amawbia has a population figure of 19,500; Umuawulu has a population figure of 5,500; Mbaukwu has a population figure of 8,500; Nibo has a population figure of 6,500; Nise has a population figure of 7,500 and Isiagu has a population figure of 9,500. In all cases, the population figure comprises of both men and women; of course excluding children and thus forms the population of this study.
3.4 SAMPLE SIZE
As already stated, the population of this study comprises of the entire individuals in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State which is given as Ninety Five Thousand (95,000). Due to the large size of the population, inadequacy of time and other resources (human and material) necessary for a research of this magnitude and importance, only a representative sample of this population will be studied in this research.
In order to get a representation of the whole population, the Yaro Yamani formula for sample size determination is used in this study. According to Yaro Yamani (1964), to determine a sample from a population:
n = N/[ 1 + (Ne2)]
Where n = Sample
N= Population size
E = Error limit
Applying the above formula, since N = 95,000; and assuming e = 0.09;
then n = 95,000/[1+(95,000 x 0.092)] =124 approx.
Thus, 124 people out of the entire population will constitute the target sample size of this study. So as to get a fairly equal representation of all the towns in the sample size, the following equation will be employed:
n = 3 + (E/N) x 100
Where n = Target sample size of town
E = Population of Town
N = Overall population size (Awka South Local Govt.)
Applying this formula to the population of each town, the sample size for Amawbia is 24; the sample size for Umuawulu is 9; the sample size for Mbaukwu is 12; the sample size for Nibo is 10; the sample size for Nise is 11 and the sample size for Isiagu is 13. Awka has a sample size of 45 instead of 42 being the largest of the towns.
3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
As already indicated, the total sample size is 95,000 out of which only 124 will be studied due to inadequacy of time and other factors. Thus, 124 people constitute the sample size. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting potential respondents for the study. The simple random sampling technique means that every unit in the population has equal chance of being selected.
3.6 INSTRUMENTS FOR DATA COLLECTION
The instrument for data collection used in this study is basically in form of questionnaire; that is a prepared list of questions given out to respondents. The researcher constructed questions that are relevant to the study. The questionnaire was made of two sections A and B respectively, with A dealing with the personal data of the respondent like age, sex, educational qualification, occupation and annual income, while B dealt with well constructed questions relevant to the research topic.
3.7 ADMINISTRATION OF INSTRUMENTS
The researcher personally travelled to the towns viz, Awka, Amawbia, Umuawulu, Mbaukwu, Nibo, Nise, and Isiagu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria to distribute the questionnaires to the respondents. This was done by sharing it out to the respondents. The task however, did not end with the sharing of the questionnaires as the purpose of the research was explained satisfactorily to each respondent with adequate instructions on how the questionnaire is meant to be completed. Some where even helped in filling the questionnaire by interpretation of same to them. The questionnaires were duly completed and returned on the spot of completion.
3.8 METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS
In analysis of the data collected in this study, the researcher used the statistical table method in which percentage and frequency distribution tables are used for better understanding. This shows the number of respondents with similar answers to each question in the questionnaire. The statistical table method was also used in testing the hypothesis.
CHAPTER IV
As already indicated, the overall population size of the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State of Nigeria is 95,000 out of which only a target sample size of 124 will be studied. Thus, 124 people constitute the researcher's respondents.
The questionnaires given to the 124 respondents were all duly completed and returned. Responses from the questionnaires are presented below. The questionnaire comprises two sections, A and B. Section A of the questionnaire dealt with the demographic characteristics of the respondents while Section B dealt with other questions relating to the research topic.
Below are tables of distribution of the respondents' responses as contained in the questionnaires:
TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY AGE:
| AGE | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| 20 – 24 | 14 | 11.3% |
| 25 – 29 | 15 | 12.1% |
| 30 – 34 | 21 | 16.9% |
| 35 – 39 | 33 | 26.6% |
| 40 – 44 | 25 | 20.1% |
| 45 – 49 | 10 | 8.1% |
| 50 and above | 6 | 4.8% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
From the above table, out of the total no. of respondents, 11.3% were between the ages of 20 to 24; 12.1% were between the ages of 25 to 29; 16.9% were between the ages of 30 to 34; 26.6% were between the ages of 35 to 39; 20.1% were between the ages of 40 to 44; 8.1% were between the ages of 45 to 49 and 4.8% were aged 50 and above.
TABLE 2: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY MARITAL STATUS:
| MARITAL STATUS | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Single | 45 | 36.3% |
| Married | 65 | 52.4% |
| Divorced | - | - |
| Separated | - | - |
| Widowed | - | - |
| No response | 14 | 11.3% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 3: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ACCORDING TO THEIR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:
| EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Illiterate | 5 | 4.0% |
| Literate class/primary school leavers | 10 | 8.1% |
| Secondary school leavers | 64 | 51.6% |
| Undergraduate | 15 | 12.1% |
| Graduate | 30 | 24.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 4: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY OCCUPATION:
| OCCUPATION | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Students | 15 | 12.1% |
| Civil servants | 30 | 24.2% |
| Trading | 65 | 52.4% |
| Unemployed | 10 | 8.1% |
| No response | 4 | 3.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 5: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY RELIGION:
| RELIGION | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Christians | 100 | 80.6% |
| Moslems | 15 | 12.1% |
| Pagans | 4 | 3.2% |
| No response | 5 | 4.0% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
4.2 ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Section B of the questionnaire dealt with questions relating to the research topic. Below are tables of distribution of the respondents' responses as contained in the questionnaires:
TABLE 6: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to the problems associated with broken homes:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Increase in crime/ juvenile delinquency rate | 77 | 62.1% |
| Poverty/Economic Instability | 15 | 12.1% |
| Mental/emotional Disorder | 30 | 24.2% |
| Don't know | - | - |
| No response | 2 | 1.6% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 7: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to what government should do to reduce the rate of break-up of homes:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Enactment/enforcement of laws towards same | 47 | 37.9% |
| Initiating policies fost- ering family integration | 38 | 30.6% |
| Don't know | 25 | 20.2% |
| No response | 14 | 11.3% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 8: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to whether the society contributes to the broken home problem:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 80 | 64.5% |
| No | 34 | 27.4% |
| Don't know | 8 | 6.5% |
| No response | 2 | 1.6% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 9: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to whether the rate of break-up of homes is higher amongst the illiterate class than the literate class:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 80 | 64.5% |
| No | 40 | 32.3% |
| Don't know | - | - |
| No response | 4 | 3.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 10: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to whether children from broken homes engage in delinquent activities more than those from sound homes:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 106 | 85.4% |
| No | - | - |
| Don't know | 10 | 8.1% |
| No response | 8 | 6.5% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
TABLE 11: Distribution of respondents by their opinion as to whether unemployment increases the risk of broken home:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 60 | 48.4% |
| No | 34 | 27.4% |
| Don't know | 26 | 21.0% |
| No response | 4 | 3.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
4.3 TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
Tables are further used to illustrate and explain the test of hypothesis.
HYPOTHESIS 1:
H0: Corruption in public service does not increase the problem of broken home.
H1: Corruption in public service increases the problem of broken home.
TABLE 12: Observed data on the opinion of respondents on whether corruption in public service increases the problem of broken home:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 65 | 52.4% |
| No | 35 | 28.2% |
| Don't know | 15 | 12.1% |
| No response | 9 | 7.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
HYPOTHESIS 2:
H0: If the media is involved, the problem of broken home will not be reduced. H1: If the media is involved, the problem of broken home will be reduced.
TABLE 13: Observed data on the opinion of respondents on whether involvement of the media will reduce the problem of broken home:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGES |
| Yes | 68 | 54.8% |
| No | 37 | 29.8% |
| Don't know | 15 | 12.0% |
| No response | 4 | 3.2% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
From the above table, out of the total no. of respondents, 54.8% were of the view that involvement of the media will reduce the problem of broken home; 29.8% were of the view that it will not increase same, 12.0% responded that they don't know while 3.2% did not express any opinion. Since the greater percentage of respondents were of the view that involvement of the media will reduce the problem of broken home, the null hypothesis is rejected. The conclusion will be that involvement of the media will reduce the problem of broken home.
HYPOTHESIS 3:
H0: The stability of the home does not contribute towards the economic stability of the society. H1: The stability of the home contributes towards the economic stability of the society.
TABLE 14: Observed data on the opinion of respondents on whether stability of the home contributes to the economic stability of the society:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 80 | 64.5% |
| No | 24 | 19.4% |
| Don't know | 14 | 11.3% |
| No response | 6 | 4.8% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
From the above table, out of the total no. of respondents, 64.5% were of the view that stability of the home contributes to the economic stability of the society; 19.4% were of the view that it does not contribute to same, 11.3% responded that they don't know while 4.8% did not express any opinion. Since the greater percentage of respondents were of the view that stability of the home contributes to the economic stability of the society, the null hypothesis is rejected. The conclusion will be that stability of the home contributes to the economic stability of the society.
HYPOTHESIS 4:
H0: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase risk of crime and delinquent activities in society. H1: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase risk of crime
and delinquent activities in society.
TABLE 15: Observed data on the opinion of respondents on whether increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of crime and delinquent activities in society:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 78 | 62.9% |
| No | 30 | 24.2% |
| Don't know | 11 | 8.9% |
| No response | 5 | 4.0% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
From the above table, out of the total no. of respondents, 62.9% were of the view that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of crime and delinquent activities in society; 24.2% were of the view that it does not lead to increase in same, 8.9% responded that they don't know while 4.0% did not express any opinion. Since the greater percentage of respondents were of the view that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of crime and delinquent activities in society, the null hypothesis is rejected. The conclusion will be that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of crime and delinquent activities in society.
HYPOTHESIS 5:
H0: Increase in rate of broken homes does not increase the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children. H1: Increase in rate of broken homes increases the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children.
TABLE 16: Observed data on the opinion of respondents on whether increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of emotional and psychological problems in children:
| RESPONSES | FREQUENCY | PERCENTAGE |
| Yes | 78 | 62.9% |
| No | 23 | 18.5% |
| Don't know | 16 | 12.9% |
| No response | 7 | 5.6% |
| TOTAL | 124 | 100% |
From the above table, out of the total no. of respondents, 62.9% were of the view that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of emotional and psychological problems in children; 18.5% were of the view that it does not lead to increase in same, 12.9% responded that they don't know while 5.6% did not express any opinion. Since the greater percentage of respondents were of the view that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of emotional and psychological problems in children, the null hypothesis is rejected. The conclusion will be that increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of emotional and psychological problems in children.
4.4 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGSMajority of the respondents are of the view that that break-up of the home constitute several problems both to the particular family concerned and the society in general. Some of these problems include increase in crime and juvenile delinquency rate, poverty and economic instability, mental and emotional disorder especially the increase in the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children, amongst others.
The study also revealed that the stability of the home contributes towards the economic stability of the society and that increase in rate of broken homes increases the risk of crime and delinquent activities in society, thus affecting the socio-economic stability of the society.
Moreso, majority of the respondents are agreed that the society as a collective whole, contributes to the incidence and prevalence of the broken-home problem. Corruption in public service is one of the numerous ways through which the society contributes to the problem of broken home, since this societal vice impoverishes the populace and amongst other problems breeds unemployment which also increases the risk of broken home. Where families cannot meet up with the financial demands of the day, this has the tendency to usher in a multiplicity of forces cum factors which ultimately disintegrate an otherwise stable home.
From the responses in the questionnaires, it was discovered that the rate of broken home is higher among the illiterate class than the literate class. This may largely be based on the fact that education develops every facet of the human psyche, enhancing the inculcation of values which foster integration, peaceful and orderly co-existence amongst people. Thus, when the family members especially the parents are literate, they tend to find a standard or formula for striking a balance between opposing ends by tolerating each other's excesses and short-comings thus diffusing those tensions and strains which have the propensity to disintegrate the home. This mechanism is usually absent in a family constituted by illiterates, hence the higher rate of broken homes amongst members of this class.
Most of the respondents insist that the children from broken homes engage in delinquent activities more than those from sound homes. This is largely based on the fact that children from such homes have little or no parental care. They have no values and morals and can do anything, anywhere and anytime. Having been exposed to pain and suffering, hurting people means nothing to them since they see such as an avenue to vent their aggression or anger on the society.
The study showed that the government can help reduce the rate of broken homes by enactment/enforcement of positive laws aimed at reduction of the rate of broken homes, initiation of policies aimed at fostering family integration, amongst others. Also, the problem of broken home will be greatly reduced if the media is actively involved in the fight against this scourge.
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
From the study, it was observed that the break-up of the home constitute several problems both to the particular family concerned and the society in general. Some of these problems include increase in crime and juvenile delinquency rate, poverty and economic instability, mental and emotional disorder especially the increase in the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children, amongst others.
Secondly, the study also showed that the stability of the home contributes towards the economic stability of the society and that increase in rate of broken homes increases the risk of crime and delinquent activities in society, thus affecting the socio-economic stability of the society.
Thirdly, the study showed that the society as a collective whole, contributes to the incidence and prevalence of the broken-home syndrome. Corruption in public service is one of the numerous ways through which the society contributes to the problem of broken home.
From the responses in the questionnaires, it was discovered that the rate of broken home is higher among the illiterate class than the literate class. Most of the respondents insist that the children from broken homes engage in delinquent activities more than those from sound homes and that unemployment increases the risk of broken home.
The study showed that the government can help reduce the rate of broken homes by enactment/enforcement of positive laws aimed at reduction of the rate of broken homes, initiation of policies aimed at fostering family integration, amongst others. Also, the problem of broken home will be greatly reduced if the media is actively involved in the fight against this same.
5.2 CONCLUSION
The family is undoubtedly the basic unit of the society. It is the fulcrum on which the society revolves. The extent of well-being of the individual families which constitute the society form the yardstick with which the success or failure of the society is measured.
It is therefore not rhetoric to state that once the family system collapses, the society concerned is doomed to fail. The Nigerian situation lends credence to the above position. The average Nigerian family wallows in abject poverty, little wonder the United Nations report placed Nigeria among the 25 poorest countries in the world. The issue of the high and ever increasing rate of broken home is not an exception to the above position.
When the average family that constitutes the society is intact, and continually and continuously functions as an integrated unit, the society in turn is integrated, orderly and peaceful. The individual members of the society thus have the opportunity of bringing the various values gotten from their homes to bear towards the development of every sector of the society.
However, where the rate of break-up of homes is on the increase, the reverse is the case. The family members are intellectually, morally, emotionally, psychologically, economically, physically and socially deprived. In the society, they can neither function nor deliver their quota towards the development of the society since they lack the values necessary for same, and which only a stable home can offer. No wonder corruption and embezzlement of public funds is on the increase, while unemployment and inflation have defied all known control measures. The children from such homes constitute nuisance in the society, indulging in all sorts of crimes and delinquent activities which pose clogs in the wheels of national development.
The members of the family, by their indulgence in such vicious habits like drunkenness, dependency on drugs, adultery, etc cause the disintegration of their home. The paradox in the whole affair is that the society, which ultimately bears the brunt of the problems caused by the broken-home syndrome, also contributes to its incidence and prevalence. Some of the ways through which the society compounds the problem is by its attitudes towards marriage since the attitude of the society towards the sanctity of marriage, towards the position of women in the home, and towards the importance of restraint in sexual relations, have effects on the broken home rate of any given social group.
Another way in which the society may affect the popular conception of marriage is in the administration of civil marriage. Lack of care in the enforcement of laws relating to marriage and lack of gravity in the performance of the ceremonies may have a decided reaction on respect for those laws and for the institution itself. Similarly, the administration of divorce laws may affect the popular conception of marriage.
As long as all these persist in the society, the issue of increasing rate of broken homes cannot be checked and with time, the family system may completely be destroyed.
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
The possible solutions to the problem of broken home in the society may be classified into preventive and corrective measures of control. The preventive measures refers to those undertaken to inhibit the possible collapse of the family structure while the corrective measures, conversely, refers to those undertaken as panacea to help ameliorate the condition of an already broken home.
As has already been pointed out, illiteracy is a major factor causing marital instability and the break-up of homes. Policies and projects aimed at eradication of illiteracy should be initiated and embarked on by the government.
Also public enlightenment through the media and other agencies on marriage principles remain a sure way of preventing the breakup of the home. Marriages are falling apart and other marriages never begin as adults may choose to cohabit as sexual partners and sometimes have children, instead of get married. Churches and Christian organizations must teach marriage principles so that marriages will last. Sound biblical education is necessary to put marriages back on firm foundation.
The members of the family must adopt good habits as this may help prevent and/or correct the problem of broken home. Where the causal factor stems from the vicious habits of either of the spouse, a total renouncement of such habits may help restore the love and confidence which ought to exist in the home and save it from tearing apart.
It is also suggested that government should review laws relating to divorce and judicial separation so as to make it more difficult and less favourable for couples to obtain a divorce, except where the situation cannot be helped. At all times, correction of the problem leading to such ugly situation should be emphasized while the option of dissolving the marriage should be de-emphasized.
Efforts should also be made to reduce the state of unemployment prevalent in the society. If more and better job opportunities are created in the society, it may go a long way in improving the economic situation of most families and this in turn will help reduce the rate of broken homes attributed to poverty as a causal factor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Colcord, J.C. (1919)
Family Desertion and its Social Treatment, W.M.F. Fell & Co. Printers, Philadelphia.
Family Desertion and its Social Treatment, W.M.F. Fell & Co. Printers, Philadelphia.
Alida van Polanen (1990)
A Treatise on the Family, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
A Treatise on the Family, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
Lawal Saheed (1988) Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.
Bosanquet, H. (1906) The Family, Macmillan & Co. Press, Ltd., London
Hornby, A.S. (2006)
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, Oxford University Press, India
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, Oxford University Press, India
Garner, B.A (2005) Blacks Law Dictionary, Abrd. 8th Ed., Thomson West Publishing Co., U.S.A.
Morgan et al (1987)
The Family in Later Life, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K.
The Family in Later Life, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K.
Tracy Owens (2000)
Marriage and Divorce, Rinehart and Company, Inc., New York.
Marriage and Divorce, Rinehart and Company, Inc., New York.
Neumeyer, M.N (1964) Juvenile Delinquency in Modern Society, D. Van Mostard Inc. Press, New York.
Yaro Yamani (1964)
Statistics, An Introductory Analysis, 3rd Ed., Harper & Row Publishers, New York.
Statistics, An Introductory Analysis, 3rd Ed., Harper & Row Publishers, New York.
JOURNALS AND ARTICLES
Thomas & Henry (1985)
The Law and Family Connection: Increasing Dialogue in the Social Sciences, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 47.
The Law and Family Connection: Increasing Dialogue in the Social Sciences, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 47.
Bumpass et al (1995) The Role of Cohabitation in the Declining Rate of Marriage,
Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 93.
Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 93.
Bumpass et al (1991) The Impact of Family Background and Early Marital Factors on Marital Disruption, Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 12, No. 1.
Amato, P. (1996) Explaining the Intergenerational Transmission of Divorce, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 58.
Margaret, B.F (1918)
The Normal Family, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
The Normal Family, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science.
Lichter et al (1991) Local Marriage Markets and the Marital Behaviour of Black and White Women, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 96, No. 4.
Thornton, A. (1991)
Influence of Marital History of Parents on the Marital and Cohabitational Experiences of Children, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 96, No. 4.
Influence of Marital History of Parents on the Marital and Cohabitational Experiences of Children, American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 96, No. 4.
McLanahan, S. (1989)
Divorce, Family Conflict, and Adolescents' Well-being. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Vol. 30
Divorce, Family Conflict, and Adolescents' Well-being. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Vol. 30
Kobrin & Waite (1984) Effects of Childhood Family Structure on the Transition to Marriage, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 46.
Ono, H. (1998) Husbands' and Wives' Resources and Marital Dissolution, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Vol. 60.
Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology
Faculty of Social Sciences
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
P.M.B 5025
Awka
Dear Respondent,
QUESTIONNAIRE
The questions listed in the questionnaire are strictly for academic purpose. Please respond to them with utmost sincerity, as your anonymity is guaranteed.
I strongly believe that your response will go a long way in helping me arrive at a reasonable and reliable conclusion.
Yours faithfully,
Azoro Chukwubuikem J.S
QUESTIONNAIRE
SEX:
Male b. Female
AGE:To which of the following groups do you belong?
20 - 24 b. 25 - 29 c. 30 - 34 d. 35 – 39 e. 40 - 44 f. 45 - 49g. 50 and above
MARITAL STATUS:
a. Single b. Married c. Divorced d. Separated e. Widowed
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:What is your educational background?
Non-literate b. Literate classc. Standard six d. Senior school certificate
e. OND/NCE f. HND/University degree
g. Others (please specify) ____________________________
SECTION B
1. What do you think is the cause of broken homes? ______________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the problems associated with broken homes?
a. Increase in crime/juvenile delinquency
b. Poverty/Economic Instability
c. Mental/Emotional disorder
d. Others (please specify) e. Don't know
___________________________
3. Do you think the society contributes to the broken home problem?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
4. If "yes" in what particular way(s): _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
5. Do you think the rate of break-up of homes is higher among the illiterate class than the literate class?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
6. Do you think that unemployment increases the risk of broken home?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
7. If "yes" in what particular way(s): _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
8. Do you think that corruption in public service increases the problem of broken home?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
9. If "yes" in what particular way(s): _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
10. Do you think that the stability of the home contributes towards the economic stability of the society?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
11. If "yes" in what particular way(s): _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
12. Notwithstanding your answer to question 2 (above), do you think increase in rate of broken homes increases risk of crime and other delinquent activities in the society?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
13. If "yes" in what particular way(s): _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
14. Notwithstanding your answer to question 2 & 12 (above), do you think that children from broken homes engage in delinquent activities more than those from sound homes?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
15. If "yes", why do you think so: _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
16. Notwithstanding your answer to question 2 (above), do you think increase in rate of broken homes increases the risk of emotional and psychological problems in children?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
17. If "yes" in what particular way(s):_______________________________ _____________________________________________________________
18. What measures will you suggest should be adopted to reduce the rate of break-up of homes? _____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19. Notwithstanding your answer to question 18 (above), do you think that if the media is actively involved, the problem of broken homes will be reduced?
a. Yes b. No c. Don't know
20. Notwithstanding your answer to question 18 (above), what do you think government should do to reduce the rate of break-up of homes?
a. Enactment/enforcement of laws
b. Initiate policies fostering family integration
d. Others (please specify) e. Don't know
___________________________
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