Tag Archives: Public Perception

CAUSES OF MARITAL INFIDELITY AMONG MARRIED WOMEN

PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF MARITAL INFIDELITY AMONG MARRIED WOMEN

ABSTRACT

Every society has its norms and values about sex in marital relationship. Infidelity in marriage is a social issue various society, religion, and age frown at. Married women are known to be chaste and faithful to their marital vows. This practice is gradually waning. This study examined the prevalence and causes of marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North local government area, Enugu State. The study was conducted between November 2017 and May 2018 based on a survey of 400 respondents through the use of multi-stage sampling technique. The information for this study was obtained from the respondents using questionnaires & in-depth interview. The stated research questions formed the basis for data analysis. The data were collated and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 20. The findings, among other things, show that majority of the respondents were aware that married women engage in marital infidelity. 77.6% agreed to sexual infidelity as the most common form of infidelity, and 28.5% agreed to economic support as the major reasons why women engage in infidelity through. Religious opposition and customs were found to have a significant influence on the attitude towards marital infidelity in Enugu North local government area. The researcher therefore suggests a need to educate the people on the health challenges and other problems associated with marital infidelity. This should be accompanied by sanctions for defaulters. Economic empowerment of women would go a long way in discouraging marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

 

CHAPTER ONE

 INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Marriage is one of the oldest institutions associated with human society. It is one that has repeatedly been emphasized in every society and constitutes the yardstick for the determination of responsibility in the families. Ofoegbu (2002)   defined marriage as an arrangement of social structure which results in the establishment of a relationship of a legal customary or religious bond between a man and his wife for the propagation of the family root through procreation and sharing of various types of other acceptable relationship norms. Marriage of some kind is found virtually in every society. But throughout the centuries, marriage has taken many different forms. Understanding of marriage contrasts greatly from culture to culture, some view the institution as endogamous (men were required to marry within their social group, family, clan or tribe), exogamous (marrying outside the geographical region or social group) or polygamous (allowing people (both men and women) to take more than one partner.

Denga (1990) as cited in Yahaya, Esere, Ogunsanmi & Onye (2008) states that marriage is a partnership contract without escape clauses because it connotes a lifelong arrangement where the couple should permanently survive a multitude of demanding situations such as illness, financial constraints and so on. At any given time in human history, a family comes into existence each time a marriage is successfully contracted. The family is the most important primary group and the smallest social unit in any particular society. Family setting is universal because the human society exists or has existed with some form of family organization. Akubue & Okolo, (2008) referred to family as any group of people who interact and communicate with each other such as husband, wife and children in organizational settings. In the Nigeria context, because of the phenomenon of the extended family system, the family is made up of married people, their off springs and immediate kith and kin and other dependents (Onwuasonya, 2006).

From creation, every society has its traditional practices such as loving one’s spouse, having sex only with ones partner among others, which are pronounced during marriage ceremonies are expected of couples to boost the image and self-esteem of their partners. Some partners deviate from these norms and exhibit it outside their marital homes. This has been a source of marital dispute and instability among couples. The negative outcome of this often times impacts the children psychologically and socially (Fernando, 2013). Contemporary society is bedeviled with marital problems which are not in accordance with the standards, norms and values of traditional society.

Marital fidelity has been known not only to keep a family together but also a generation of individuals that respect the sanctity of marriage. People get married with fidelity in mind but infidelity has always been documented to affect almost 80% of marriage around the world. Infidelity in marriage is a social issue various society, religion and age frown at, and as a result stringent measures are placed to curtail this act. In some societies, the penalty could be as stiff as death. However, infidelity strives leaving the people to wonder why it has taken a form of legacy passed from one generation to the other. (Ejaifo, 2012).

Infidelity in marriage is gradually becoming a norm. Female infidelity is the new trend because extra marital sex by men is socially tolerated and in many respects, even socially rewarded. The prevalence of married men’s participation in extra marital sex in Nigeria is well documented (Karanja, 1987; Onusuloye, Caldwell & Caldwell, 1997; Lawoyin & Larsen, 2002; Mitsunaga, Powell, Antonia, Heard, Nathan, Larsen., 2005). A report out of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University found that for the first time in modern history, women are cheating at nearly the same rate as men. Another study, published in the National Opinion Research center’s 2013 General Social Survey, found that while the percentage of men who admitted to infidelity has held constant over the last two decades, the percentage of wives who reported having affairs rose almost 40 percent.

Before the advent of civilization, married women, no matter the conditions they found themselves never became promiscuous; they remained chaste and faithful to their vows. Cheating among Nigerian women is the new trend, which is abstract and very different to what was in existence two decades ago, when women were faithful, patient and more tolerating (Ejaifo, 2012).        

Against this background, this study is aimed at investigating the causes of marital infidelity among women in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

1.2     Statement of the Problem 

Marital infidelity among women which was a rare phenomenon has apparently become common place today in the Nigerian society. According to a new report by Durex, a condom manufacturing company in 2012, Nigerian women are ranked the most unfaithful in the world with 62 percent.

Infidelity impacts strongly on the functionality and stability of relationship (Drigotas, Safstrom, & Gontlia, 1999; Whisman, Dixon & Johnson, 1997).

John Kester, a sociologist at the University of Lagos reports that infidelity not only hurts the relationship but has an adverse impact on family life, particularly if children are involved. When a mother is having an affair there is a different reaction in children, this is because the mother is still most often considered the focus of the family and of course when the child learns of an affair, he or she is in danger of testing confidence in the inability of marriage and family.

Research on marital infidelity shows that it  leads to marital strife leading to divorce, wife battering, prostitution in urban areas, children born of different fathers and the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (National Aids Control Council (NACC), 2007). Marital infidelity has been associated with increased risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety (Cano & O’ Leary, 2000).

Marital Infidelity by impacts negatively on the development in any given area due to its effect on people involved. Resources that are made for the development of the family are deviated to cater for extra-marital affairs and the treatment of HIV/AIDS (Kenya Forum, 2013). Infidelity by women could also enhance the spread of sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, and many others. Reproductive health of the women are most times usually affected, thus resulting to loss of lives by the women or mothers, thereby making their children become orphans, or even school dropouts, thus becoming touts and juvenile deliquents.

Despite its negative effects on the health of their family members and the society at large, it is worrisome to observe that married women still indulge in extramarital affairs. What could be behind this rise? Could it be that married women are lacking some fundamental needs in family relationship which they seek to satisfy from external sources?

It is in view of these concerns that this study is being carried out to find out the prevalence and causes of marital infidelity by women in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.       

1.3     Research Questions

The following research questions were put forward to guide the study:

  1. What are the patterns of marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L.G.A. of Enugu state?
  2. What are the attitudes of people towards marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A. of Enugu State?
  3. What are the factors responsible for marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A. of Enugu State?
  4. What are the challenges resulting from marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A. of Enugu State?
  5. What strategies can be put in place to reduce or address the prevalence of marital infidelity among women in Enugu North L.G.A, of Enugu State?

1.4     Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study was to ascertain the causes of marital infidelity among women in Enugu North L. G. A. of Enugu State.

The specific objectives of the study were as follows:

  1. To find out the patterns of marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A, of Enugu State.
  2. To identify the attitude of people towards marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A of Enugu State.
  3. To ascertain the factors responsible for marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A, of Enugu State.
  4. To investigate the challenges resulting from infidelity among married women in Enugu North L. G. A of Enugu State.
  5. To proffer plausible solutions/strategies that will help curtail the prevalence of marital infidelity among women in Enugu North L. G. A, of Enugu State.

1.5     Significance of the Study

This study has both practical and theoretical significance.

Practically, the study will help to resuscitate marriage and improve marriage relationship by helping married people to keep to their marital vows and have healthy spousal relationships. It will help to create societal awareness on the damages and harm of infidelity, if not properly curbed.

Theoretically, the findings will give first-hand information to religious leaders, marriage counselors, women organizations on the prevalence and causes of marital infidelity among women, with a view to give proper counseling to spouses either before or during the marriage sessions. With the knowledge, the curriculum planners would include issues that bother on family and procreation into subjects like, Sociology, Civic Education, Sexuality Education and Social Studies. Findings of the study will also add to existing knowledge and literature that have addressed the issue of marital infidelity among married women in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State and Nigeria at large.

1.6     Definition of terms

Attitude: It refers to the way we think or view someone or something.

Couple: This refers to two people who are married, are living together or having an intimate relationship, as socially approved.   

Divorce: It is the legal ending of marriage between couples so that husband and wife are free to remarry again.

Early marriage: Early marriage is a marriage that occurs before a person reaches the age of consent (18 years). It is also known as child marriage.

Gender: It refers to culturally and historically specific concepts of femininity and masculinity. It reflects the power relations between men and women; social construction of sex roles between men and women.

Infidelity: It is referred to as cheating or adultery when married. It is a violation of a couple’s assumed or stated contract regarding emotional and or sexual exclusivity.

Marriage: In the context of this study, marriage can be seen as the legalizing of a special relationship between a man and a woman to which the society gives its approval. It places each partner under legal and social obligations to the other and to the society.

Pattern: A particular way in which something is done, or been organized or happens.

Prevalence: It is a term which means being widespread. It tells us about the number of particular events in the community.

Socio-Economic Factors: These are conditions that necessitate and sustain the status of individuals in family and community in terms of formal education, occupation, income, health and cultural freedom.       

 

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PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN ENUGU EAST L.G.A, ENUGU STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study is based on the influence of gender on employment opportunities for women (A study of Enugu East Local Government Area). The survey research design was adopted and a sample size of 400 (four hundred ) was got using Taro Yamane formula out of the population of a total of (367,958) residents. 400 questionnaires were administered to the respondents and 330 was returned, which was used for the data.  The data for the study was gathered using a questionnaire. An in-depth interview was conducted as the qualitative instrument. Analysis was made through the latest version of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS}, which is a well known software for the statistically analysis of data, so that effective conclusion can be drawn and Chi square was used to test the Hypotheses. Simple random sampling technique was adopted as the sampling technique for the study.  From the study, one could summarize more evidently that there are several patterns of gender discrimination based on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East. It was discovered that there are many factors responsible for gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East; more so, the study reveals that there are consequences for gender discrimination on employment opportunities of women in Enugu East. Finally gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women can be reduced in so many ways. The study recommends that Government should ensure that we have more female representatives at the top in the private and public sectors by eliminating barriers against women working in certain sectors to increase output, and most importantly government and the society at large should create full and decent productive employment opportunities for women and access to finance, as well as provision of social protection. Finally the researcher suggested other topics for further research.

  

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

In a masculine dominated society, women’s right has been misunderstood because of cultural, customary practices and beliefs which encouraged discrimination against women. Relying on traditional gender roles and child care responsibilities, some employers assume that female employee is less dependable than male employee. The idea of equality of sexes in employment is foreign to Nigerian native law and custom. Most entrepreneurs believe that females are inferior to their male counterpart and incompatible with a fast-paced business environment. Discrimination against women in places of work in Nigeria is so visible; this is primarily because of the high level of illiteracy and lack of skills among women compared to men.

Promoting decent productive employment and income opportunities equally for women and men is one of the key priorities of various governments across the world. Integrating gender concerns into employment and promotion can contribute to more effective boosting of productivity and economic growth; human resources development; sustainable development; and reducing poverty (ILO, 2018).

Gender differences in access to economic opportunities are frequently debated in relation to gender differences in labor market participation.

According to business dictionary (2018), gender is defined as the culturally and socially constructed differences between men and women that vary from place to place and time to time. The term “gender” refers to economic, social and cultural attributes and opportunities associated with being male or female.

According to 2006 national population and housing census, Nigeria’s population was 140.4 million (FGN, 2009). Women constitute about 49% of this population in Nigerian State and are known to play vital roles as mothers, producers, managers, community developers/organizers etc. Their contribution to the social and economic development of societies is also more than half as compared to that of men by virtue of their dual roles in the productive and reproductive spheres.  Okonjo (2017) argues that greater management of household resources by women, either through their own earnings or cash transfers shows that if given opportunities to occupy top positions, they can enhance growth by spending in ways that benefit the society. Research evidence have shown that women don’t earn as much as men and the average salary of women is 72% to 88% of men, even with variables such as education, age, position and job tenure considered (Waisman & Larsen, 2008). We can assert that male/female equality according to Marxist theory is the involvement of women in production outside home.       

Employment is one source of empowerment for women, given that it enables them exercise control over their own income and by extension their lives. Employment is one source of empowerment for women but unfortunately it is difficult to measure their employment status because the informal sectors are not reported. However, the data on hand indicates, for instance, that women and men currently employed in the North West are 46 and 54 percent respectively. Also, the employment rate of men to women in urban area is ratio 42:37 while the employment ratio of men to women in the rural area is 63:58.
In recent times, there has been a great deal of concern about the discrimination in the labour market based on gender considerations. Specifically, several practices, beliefs and stereotypes are held against the female gender as regards their suitability for certain jobs, eventual employment and advancement on the job. It is extremely difficult in some societies for women to go beyond a particular level in their chosen careers. Some jobs are perceived as the exclusive preserve of the male gender, while women are taken to be the weaker sex and therefore, should be employed in those areas where their weakness can be managed or tolerated. Even in the face of modernization, most people still hold on to the view that the woman’s place should be in the kitchen and therefore it is non-traditional for women to engage in paid jobs outside the home. The implication of these is that the rate at which women participate in the labour force is dictated by societal norms and stereotypes. The participation of the females in the labour force of Nigeria is still considered relatively low. The low participation rate may be because the males most of the time constitute the main employers of labour. This in turn gives them the opportunity to express their feelings and attitude towards the employment of the female gender, Effa (1995) findings support this notion. 75percent of male employers prefer employing the males to the females. The study goes further to suggest that the males are preferred to their female counterparts because the former are presumed more likely to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency. Other reasons being given include the number of times the female is likely to absent herself from work due to sickness, maternity leave, childcare and other domestic issues. An important question then arises, should the female gender be denied employment in the labour market and thereby reducing the participation in the labour market because of their natural/traditional roles as mothers and home makers which society has assigned to them?

However, despite some progress over the last few decades, gender equality in employment remains an elusive goal in all societies. Women continue to face certain problems and discrimination in all areas of economic life. The government of many developing countries in the last decade has focused on issues relating to gender disparity and this disparity was found in work places. In Nigeria today, the idea of equality of sexes in different places of work is foreign to Nigerian native law and customs. Discrimination against women in employment in Nigeria is so visible, primarily due to the high level of illiteracy and lack of skills among women compared to men. In fact, the country ranks 118 of 134 countries in the Gender Equality Index.Even when they are represented, they are discriminated against. No wonder the government has put a law that in every sector of work/employment, women should take at least 30% (Oakley 2000). Even with this, there are rarely any organizations that women have such, except in some professions that are considered feminine, which include nursing, teaching etc. Relying on traditional gender roles and child care responsibilities, some employers assume that a female employee is less dependable than a male employee. Most entrepreneurs believe that females are inferior to their male counterpart and incompatible with a fast-paced business environment.  This has led to series of discriminatory activities against women which comes in diverse forms such as direct gender discrimination which occurs when women are treated differently at work and an example includes disparity in salary based on gender.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

It is against this background that this study intends to examine the influence of gender on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East local government area. Despite some progress made over the last few decades in increasing women’s participation in the work force and narrowing gender gaps in wages, gender equality in the labour market still remains an elusive goal. While millions of women have become successful entrepreneurs, women are still grossly underrepresented in the boardroom of companies across the world. Particularly, in the developing world, women continue to form a large majority of the world’s working poor, earn less income, and are more often affected by long-term unemployment than men. This is due to women’s socio-economic disadvantages caused by gender-based discrimination and their double roles of being a worker and a care taker of the home. Olawoye (1995) describes Nigerian women as a crucial factor in production. According to her, they are largely responsible for the bulk production of crops, agro-based food processing, preservation of crops and distribution of yields from farm centres to market in both rural and urban areas. Nigerian women are contributing their quota to the development of the nation, but their potentials seem not to have been fully tapped due to some constraints. Disparities still exist between men and women in education, employment and income opportunities, control over assets, personal security and participation in the development process (Rahman & Naoroze, 2007). This may be as a result of lingering constraints including poor economic condition of Nigerian women, lack of adequate legislation and policies to support the rights of women, unequal access to education, limited access to land, lack of assertiveness among women etc.

Furthermore, women continue to embark on many unpaid care jobs, which has become an increasing challenge in their efforts to engage in productive work. Thus this study intends to find the influence of gender on employment opportunities for women Enugu East Local Government Area. 

1.3   Research Questions

As a result of the problems mentioned above, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:

  1. What is the pattern of gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area?
  2. What are the factors responsible for gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area?
  3. What are the consequences of gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area?
  4. How can gender discrimination relating to employment opportunities for women be reduced in Enugu East Local Government Area?

1.4   Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this research is to determine the influence of gender in employment opportunities for women, with special preference to the people of Enugu East local government Nigeria. The specific objectives include the following:

  1. To find out the pattern of gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area.
  2. To examine the factors responsible for gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area.
  3. To examine the consequences of gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women in Enugu East Local Government Area.
  4. To find out how gender discrimination on employment opportunities for women can be reduced in Enugu Local Government Area.

1.5   Significance of the Study

The study will have both theoretical and practical significance. The theoretical aspect of the significance of the study is that subsequent researchers may find this study as a foundation for further research on the influence on gender on employment opportunities for women. This research will be of immense importance to a large number of people ranging from the researcher to the government and various nongovernmental organisations.

Practically, the study will provide useful information that will shade more light on the difficulties encountered by women in the area of employment opportunities and proffer possible solutions to the government on how best to solve it.

The research work is of importance to the researcher as it is a basic requirement for the award of a university Bachelor of Science degree. Finally, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) may find this research and its recommendation very useful in protecting the rights of women in respect to securing employments.

1.6   Definition of Terms

Discrimination:– Distinct treatment of an individual or group to their disadvantage; treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit.

Employer:– A person who pays for or hires the services of another person.

Employee:– A person who provides services to a company or another person, in return for salary or wages.

Employment:- The work or occupation for which one is used and often paid

Employment Discrimination:- This generally occurs when an employee is intentionally treated differently because of gender, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or age by the employer in either the phases of hiring, discipline, performance appraisal or termination of appointment.

Employment Opportunity:- Employment is an arrangement between employer and an employee that the employee will provide certain services on the job. The work will occur in the employer’s designated workplace, the work is designed to accomplish the employer organization’s goals and mission and in return, the employee receives compensation. This is an employment practice where employers do not engage in employment activities that are prohibited by law

Gender:- The division of people into various categories such as male and female, with each having associated clothing, roles, stereotypes, etc

Gender Discrimination:- Gender discrimination is an adverse action or differential treatment against a person which would not have occurred if the person was of the opposite sex.

Sexual Harassment:- Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature which unreasonably interferes with the performance of a person’s job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

 Woman:- A female adult.

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