Causes and Management of Domestic Conflicts among Couples: The Esan Case

Abstract

Whereas the issue of domestic conflict is universal, its manifestation differs between and within ethnographic regions of the world. This paper examines the phenomenon of domestic conflict among couples in Esan-speaking area of Edo State. Particularly the paper addresses the main causes of the problem and the management strategies adopted in the resolution of the crisis. In terms of methodology, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth Interviews were employed in gathering the data for the study. The major variables found to be responsible for domestic conflict include revelation of concealed pre-marital history, wives’ attitude towards in-laws, infertility, management of spouse’s income, number and sex of children born, indulgence of spouse in extra-marital affairs and participation of spouse in politics. Various mechanisms for managing the crisis in Esan are reviewed. Finally, policy implication and recommendations are advanced accordingly.