AN ASSESSMENT ON THE SOCIETAL BELIEVE ON EARLY MARRIAGE IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF BAURE LGA, KATSINA STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In most societies, marriage marks the point in a woman’s life when childbearing first becomes socially acceptable. Women who marry early will, on average, have longer exposure to pregnancy and a greater number of lifetime births. Marriage is a social activity entered into through a public act, religious or traditional ceremony and it reflects the purpose, character, and customs of the society in which it is found [Kendall, 2016]. It unites people in a special form of mutual dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family. Many societies have norms that limit the age of young girls to enter into marriage, but in some cases the age limit does not take into consideration their physiological and psychological readiness for childbearing [Lewis, 2016]. In most societies, marriage marks the point in a woman’s life when childbearing first becomes socially acceptable. Women who marry early will, on average, have longer exposure to pregnancy and a greater number of lifetime births. Marriage is a social activity entered into through a public act, religious or traditional ceremony and it reflects the purpose, character, and customs of the society in which it is found [Lyold, 2019]. It unites people in a special form of mutual dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family. Many societies have norms that limit the age of young girls to enter into marriage, but in some cases the age limit does not take into consideration their physiological and psychological readiness for childbearing [Mathur, 2013] . Within the context of Ningi LGA, early marriage remains a deeply ingrained socio-cultural phenomenon, influenced by a myriad of factors including poverty, lack of educational opportunities, gender inequality, and traditional beliefs. While precise statistics on the prevalence of early marriage in Baure LGA may be limited, anecdotal evidence and existing research suggest that it remains a widespread practice, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Despite concerted efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations to address the issue of early marriage nationwide, the effectiveness of interventions in specific localities such as Baure LGA may vary due to contextual factors and community-specific beliefs. Therefore, there is a pressing need for localized research that delves into the societal beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions surrounding early marriage within this particular region. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess societal believe on early marriage in Nigeria (A case study of Baure LGA, Katsina state).

Statement of the problem

Early marriage, often considered a customary habit in certain regions of Nigeria, continues to be a notable societal concern, especially in rural and disadvantaged sectors. This practice, deeply ingrained in cultural, economic, and religious convictions, persists in impeding advancements towards gender equality and social development (Eze, 2018). Notwithstanding attempts to reduce early marriages via domestic legislation and global obligations, the occurrence of this phenomenon continues to be significant, especially in Northern Nigeria, where cultural conventions have a prominent influence on behaviour (UNICEF, 2021). One significant obstacle is the ingrained conviction that early marriage preserves family prestige, guarantees financial stability, and adheres to religious principles (Ifedi, 2016). These conventional beliefs often clash with initiatives to advance girls' education, enhance health results, and protect human rights, resulting in a recurring cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate health among girls who get married at a young age. Economic reasons contribute to the continued prevalence of early marriage, since poverty compels families to arrange marriages for their daughters in order to relieve financial hardships (Ibrahim & Tukur, 2020). The convergence of socio-economic incentives and cultural norms leads to elevated prevalence of child marriages, with adverse consequences on the well-being, education, and future prospects of young girls (UNICEF, 2021).  Hence, the study assess the societal believe on early marriage in Nigeria (a case study of Baure lga, Katsina State).

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the societal believe on early marriage in Nigeria (a case study of Baure lga, Katsina State). The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the prevalence of early marriage in  Baure LGA, Katsina State.

To identify the factors contributing to the prevalence of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State

To investigate the societal beliefs that contribute to the perpetuation of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

To assess the prevalence of early marriage in  Baure LGA, Katsina State.

To identify the factors contributing to the prevalence of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State

To investigate the societal beliefs that contribute to the perpetuation of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State.

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to the following

Policymakers: The findings of this study can inform the development of evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at addressing early marriage in Nigeria, particularly within rural communities. Policymakers, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations can utilize the research outcomes to design targeted initiatives that promote gender equality, protect the rights of adolescents, and mitigate the socio-economic impacts of early marriage.

Academia: the findings of the study will be of benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study survey societal believe on early marriage in Nigeria (A case study of Ningi LGA, Bauchi state). Hence, the study will assess the prevalence of early marriage in  Baure LGA, Katsina State, identify the factors contributing to the prevalence of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State and investigate the societal beliefs that contribute to the perpetuation of early marriage in Baure LGA, Katsina State.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to Baure LGA, Katsina State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Early Marriage: Refers to the practice of marrying individuals, particularly adolescents, before reaching the legal age of marriage, which is 18 years old in Nigeria. Early marriage may also be referred to as child marriage when one or both parties are below the age of 18.

Societal Beliefs: Refers to the collective attitudes, values, norms, and perceptions held by members of a society regarding various social phenomena, including marriage, gender roles, and family structures.

Gender Inequality: Refers to the unequal treatment, opportunities, and resources allocated to individuals based on their gender. Gender inequality often manifests in various aspects of society, including education, employment, health care, and decision-making processes.

Socio-Cultural Influences: Refers to the societal and cultural factors that shape individuals' behaviors, beliefs, and practices. 

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