A STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BROKEN HOMES ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

A STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BROKEN HOMES ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT

The study examines the causes and the implications of broken homes on child development. This is as a result of the fact that the scourge of criminality and any other social vises are attributed to children from broken homes. The study reviewed some relevant literature based on the objectives of the study, and functionalist theories and perspectives were used to explain the phenomenon being investigated. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews were the instruments used to collect data which was analysed and presented in tabular forms. The study also revealed some of the causes of broken homes which were confirmed during the research. It also identified a number of consequences of broken homes on child development. The study equally explored various strategies adopted by the children from broken homes to cope with the situation they found themselves. Also various suggestions were obtained on how to curb or mitigate the incidence of divorce.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Study

The family is the oldest institution in history and remains the most irreducible nucleus of all known societies. It is established by the institution of marriage, ensures the reproduction of human species and confers executive conjugal right on couples. According to Aku (2007), the family is regarded as the oldest institution on earth that plays an important role in human society. It is a universal social institution, but the types vary from one society to the other and also from one culture to another.

The variations in family composition gives rise to the different types of family, namely; extended and nuclear family. In the pre-colonial African society the extended family system was most cherished, unlike in the western societies, which cherished the nuclear type of family. In Nigeria today, the family is increasingly oriented towards nuclear type where it consists of father, mother and children, however, there are modifications as the nuclear extended types of families accommodate some extended family members like grandparents, siblings’ etc grand-parents.

In general, the family whether nuclear or extended, performs functions such as, procreation, sex regulation, socialization, security, emotional support etc.

The family usually begins with marriage. It creates new social relationships, roles, rights and obligations not just between the spouses or partners but between the kinsmen on both sides of the couple. Marriage is a union between man and a woman or women such that children born to the woman are recognized as legitimate offspring of both parents (Igbo, 2003).

In Africa, marriage is usually accompanied with elaborate ceremonies which are primarily aimed at enhancing the stability of the union. Among such ceremonies are religious rituals, payment of bride wealth, and involvement of spouses’ families among others, which seem to make divorce a rare phenomenon in pre-colonial times (Aku, ibid).

In most cultures marriage is meant to be a lifelong contract, but the stability that characterize pre-colonial African families seems to have disappeared with the alarming incidence of divorce and separation. It would appear that families in contemporary time are confronted by a myriad of pressures which are yet to be properly addressed (Fumerayem, 1991).

Some pressures sometimes result in failed marriages, either through divorce or separation. Failed marriages could also mean homes where there is persistent conflict or where there is residential separation between spouses who were hitherto living together in legitimate marital cohabitation.

It has been quite difficult to obtain dependable statistics of broken homes both nationally and internationally. This is because the act remains hidden and most provincial and territorial marriage welfare laws require undisclosed proceedings on broken homes in order to protect the integrity of the children and couples. Similarly, there might be a consensus between the couples and their relatives to have a peaceful separation without going to court or even subjecting the issue to public scrutiny and any other form of official intervention.

In many parts of the world today, broken homes are on the increase, and in Nigeria in particular, it is inflamed by colonialism and all its paraphernalia such as western education, police, court etc. it has facilitated changes in socio-economic roles and responsibilities as well as rights and obligations of couples. Women now take paid employment in order to supplement or support the family. In addition, socialization and increasing demand for women emancipation from male dominance has further put some homes in tension (Newman, 1999). Perhaps the most important factor in the increase of marital breakdown in the 20^th century could be as a result of divorce and tolerance resulting from the negative attitudes among various religious denominations. Sociologically, there is no society without social problems. A broken home is one of such problems and it has consequences on child development.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

The issue of broken home is a complex social problem and may affect every member of the family, especially children. Experts opined that in the event of power imbalance between couples, a child who is usually in a position of dependence has little or no power. Rather he or she is always exposed to varying degree of emotional and material denials. Consequently, there is increasing understanding that child vulnerability to negative vices may be influenced by factors such as dislocation, separation, divorce, poverty and social isolation (Haralambos and Holborn, 2004).

In the recent time, disagreement and conflicts have threatened the stability of many families. Additionally, with the global economic crisis, many couples have engaged themselves in other financial activities to support the family’s income. They embark on activities such as long distance trading, accepting time consuming jobs and job transfers that separate them from their children for very long period of time. Today, most parents work where their children cannot see them easily, and in the absence of proper parental supervision especially at the early formative stages, quite a range of anti-social behaviour could be expected that may degenerate into criminality.

In Samara, town of Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, it can be observed that some children are suffering because of broken homes. However, teenagers of primary and secondary school ages suffer the most. This is largely because of their inability to produce for themselves. It is common to see some of them hawking in the streets, begging on the road, searching for scraps in refuse heaps, scavenging for food in restaurants, etc.

Others embark on menial jobs like selling of sachet water, pushing of wheelbarrow, clearing of house hold refuse, etc., when they should be in school.

In addition, some of them often engage in delinquent behaviours such as child prostitution, crime, fighting, arson, vandalism, truancy among others. Some indulge in drugs as a sort of defeatist response to the challenges of daily legitimate living.

1.2 Research Questions

The study intends to answer question on the following research questions;

1.            What are the effect of broken homes on child development in Samaru Community of Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State?

2.            How can the children develop coping strategies in the event of marital breakdown?

3.            How best can the problem of broken homes be tackled in Samaru and Nigeria at large?

1.3 Aims of the Study

        The aim of the study is to ascertain what constitutes a broken home and its effects on broken homes on child development. However, these aims will be achieved with the aid of the following objectives:

TOPIC: A STUDY ON EFFECTS OF BROKEN HOMES ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Chapters: 1 - 5
Delivery: Email

Number of Pages: 80

Price: 3000 NGN

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