Marriage, family and schoolwork: A case of married female undergraduate students at the University of Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which marital duties of female undergraduate students affect their studies, and to find out the strategies they used in coping with their combined roles. The study was conducted at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. It utilized a qualitative design with a purposive sample of twenty-seven (27) married female undergraduates who responded to a semi-structured interview. Data collected were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach and findings presented. The main themes that emerged include the influence of marriage on the studies of respondents, challenges faced by respondents, coping strategies employed as well as the support systems they benefitted from. Married students exhibited the desire and determination to succeed in carrying out both roles. Effective time management, self-discipline and other mechanisms are mentioned as some of the strategies employed to manage their duties effectively.

Keywords: Married, female undergraduate, schoolwork, Ghana.