Social dynamics of marital dissolution among ethno-endogamous marriages in contemporary Nigerian society: the Yoruba example

Abstract

This study examines the inter-generational trend and various determinants of marital dissolution by separation or divorce among ever married women in the contemporary Yoruba society, using Osun State, Nigeria as the study location. A triangulated research design was utilised to achieve the objectives of the study. Specifically, cross-sectional survey (CSS), key-informant interview (KII) and in-depth interview (IDI) methods of data collection were adopted in the design to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of the study reveal inter-generational increase in marital dissolution. In addition, the study reveals significant interplay of three factors (personal, spousal and parental) as significant background determinants of marital dissolution in the study location. Based on the findings of the study, it has been recommended that early marriage, couple living in separate apartments and polygyny should be discouraged in order to promote stable nuptial relationships in the study location.

Keywords: Marital Dissolution, Ethno-Endogamy, Polygyny, Yoruba, Osun State, Nigeria