ABSTRACT

The study provides an overview on the impacts of marital problems on social upbringing of children in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State. In obtaining the data relevant to this research work, questionnaire and verbal interview techniques were used. The researcher obtained information from different sources on the impact of marital problem on social upbringing of children in Enugu North LGA, Enugu State. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered for this study, out of which 60 were returned.  The questionnaire were in two sets. One for the social workers and the other for the married inhabitants of Enugu North local government area of Enugu State.  The findings in the study shows that marital problems could lead to children’s withdrawal; loneliness; loss of confidence; school problems for the children; learning disorders; anxiety and depression; addiction to alcohol and drug abuse; suicide or self-harming and  theft and criminal behavior.

The study concludes that marital problems which places the children at the centre of disputation has highly malign effects on children social upbringing.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     Background of study

The increase in the rate of marital problems is one of the most visible changes in Western family life. It is seen together with increases in cohabitation and unwed parenthood, and declines in marriage and fertility as part of a broader change, the “second demographic transition” (Lesthaeghe 1995). These changes have brought about various concerns, some of which focusing on their economic implications, others on the effects on child development, and still others that see them as moral problems related to a breakdown of the family institution (Ellwood and Jencks 2004).

Several studies have reported how children living in divorced and other lone parent families tend to have lower levels of economic well-being, and how the cross-national variation in these gaps is closely related to support from the welfare state (Vleminckx and Smeeding 2000; Aassve et al. 2007).

There is a large research literature analyzing the effects of marital problems. Several studies from various countries have tried to estimate the economic, social, health, and psychological consequences of divorces on adults, and generally found that marital problems is associated with some negative outcomes on, at least, the other party (although it may have positive psychological effects on some).

There is no general theory of divorce, but marriage is mostly seen as an arrangement in which expressive and instrumental goods and services are exchanged between husbands and wives (Teachman 2002). According to this approach, marriages are contracted because they provide men and women with economic and psychological well-being exceeding what they could gain outside the marriage. In the same vein, marriages are dissolved when the value of the outside options exceed that of marriage for at least one of the spouses. What is notable in these theories is that they mainly hold that spouses decide on whether to continue their marriages based on calculations of their personal utilities. Therefore, while the well-being of other parties involved in the marriage particularly, the other spouse and the children may be taken into account when deciding on the continuation of the marriage, it does not necessarily play a role.

An implication of this argument is that although children are centrally involved in divorce, they may not have a powerful say on the parents’ decision of whether to divorce or not. Thus, what might be an optimal solution to at least one of the parents

(regardless of whether the decision is to divorce or to remain married) might not be as good for the children (Ellwood and Jencks 2004). This, as well as the usual concern most people feel for children’s well-being and life chances, is a relevant reason to analyse what kind of effects (if any) parental divorce has on children’s lives. Not surprisingly, the literature on the short- and long-term effects of marital problems on social upbringing on children is possibly even larger than that devoted to the effects of marital problems on the divorcing adults.

It is against this backdrop that this study examines the impact of marital problems on social upbringing of children in Enugu state.

1.2     Statement of problems

Today, the Nigeria society seems to be passing through a very cohensive force of marital problems, which disturbs the peaceful living that exists between the said two parties. It has become a problem of concern to almost every Nigerian. Hence this research is undertaken to examine the impact of marital problem on social upbringing in our well pronounced society today.

Unfaithfulness of husband/wife could cause marital problem in marriage, others may be lack of children, lack of money, lack of love, intolerance and misunderstanding, difference in religions and interference from outsiders could also contributes to marital problem.

1.3    Objectives of the study

The broad aim of the study is to examine the impact of marital problems on social upbringing of children in Enugu North LGA, Enugu State. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the usual causes of marital problems
2. To identify ways by which marital problems affects the children social upbringing
3. To elucidates the outcomes of marital problems on children social upbringing
4. To proffer ways by which marital problems can be solved and minimized in our society

1.4   Research Question  and Hypothesis

The following research question will be used to guide this study,

1. What are the usual causes of marital problems?
2. In which way do marital problems affects the children social upbringing?
3. What are the outcomes of marital problems on children social upbringing?

Hypothesis

Ho: Marital problems do not affect social upbringing of children

H1: Marital problem affects social upbringing of children

1.5   Significance of the study

The major reason for carrying out this study is to bring about a lasting settlement from various individual differences between couples so that no inch of misunderstanding could be noticed above all other odds, thereby strengthening their homes and raising children with good social upbringing that will add value to both the family and the society at large.

The study will be of great benefit to both governmental and non-governmental organizations including social workers.

It will also serve as a material asset for academics carrying out a study along this line.

1.6Scope and limitation of the study

The study is limited to Enugu North local government area of Enugu State. This is due to financial problem and inadequate timeframe to cover the entirety of Enugu State. Despite the limitations, this research work would be of a great interest to any reader and lay a solid foundation for further research.

1.7  Operational definition of terms

Social upbringing:

It means to teach a child basic sociology about existing society, define social relations, social culture.  It also mean to raise a child in gradually becoming social.

Marriage:

Marriage is an institution regulating sexual intercourse and kept by conjugal affection, but also an arrangement for bringing up of children & a partnership for economic ends and social cooperation. Sometimes one side and sometimes another side predominate.

Marital Problems:

Common problems that lead to marital fatigue: Poor conflict management: Allowing conflict to escalate. Looking only at the negative (or the perceived negative).