Effect of Polygamy on Family Solidarity in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of polygamy on family solidarity in Khana local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study included examination of the relationship between polygamy and family peace, and determination of the relationship between polygamy and family solidarity in Khana Local Government Area. The study employed correlational research design. Data for the study were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. A sample size of 500 respondents was used for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used for this study. Data were presented in frequency distribution tables and analysed through the use of percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient set at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that polygamy did not promote family peace in Khana Local Government Area. Polygamy brought about keeping of malice and sometimes quarreling among family members. One thing that was responsible for this problem as identified by the study was the failure on the part of polygamous husbands to be fair in the distribution of the basic things of life to their family members. The study also discovered significant relationship between polygamy and family peace with r-value of 0.998. The study also showed significant relationship between polygamy and solidarity in Khana Local Government Area with an r-value of 0.998. The study recommended that despite the cultural approval of polygamy in the area of study that only men that are financially well to do should go into it; husbands of polygamous families should endeavour to be as fair as possible in the distribution of the common goods to their wives and children. Communities, churches and mosques should endeavour to have family peace committee made up of men and women of good track record to handle family matters when they arise.