Influence Of Socio-Economic Status On Marital Stability Among Selected Couples
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Influence Of Socio-Economic Status On Marital Stability Among Selected Couples
ABSTRACT
The study looked at how socioeconomic position affected marital stability among couples in Mushin Local Government Area, Lagos State. This study included a review of relevant and related literature.
The descriptive survey research design was used in this study to analyse respondents’ opinions through the use of a questionnaire and sampling technique. The questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents, and the sampling technique was utilised to determine the sample size of the study.
In this study, 150 (one hundred and fifty) couples participated. They were selected using the stratified sampling method. In addition, four (4) null hypotheses were formulated and tested in this study, utilising the One-way Anova and independent t-test statistical techniques at the 0.05 level. The following results emerged:
(1) Hypothesis one revealed a substantial relationship between couples’ socioeconomic position and marital stability.
(2) Hypothesis two revealed a significant difference in attitudes between couples with high and low socioeconomic level.
(3) Hypothesis three revealed a significant difference in the attitudes of children from high socioeconomic status and low socioeconomic status households.
(4) Finally, hypothesis four found no significant difference in academic achievement between children from low-income and rich families.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background for the Study
Marriage is a legally, sexually, and socially sanctioned union between two close adults. Traditionally, the marriage relationship entails economic independence, shared housing, sexual faithfulness, and joint care for children.
Although the institution of marriage remains popular, it appears to be under threat from changing societal trends. This assault has prompted some scholars, including Chartin (1981) and Gleen and Wearer (1988), to question if the institution of marriage is in peril.
In any event, it appears that marriage will help to calm the storm. However, it is worthwhile to examine some of the social trends that are challenging both traditional and modern marriage models.
According to Jones (1994), a wide range of motivating factors drive people to marry. The most common is the desire to be a part of a socially sanctioned, mutually gratifying, personal relationship.
Among the important elements are the societal pressures placed on people to marry and the socioeconomic independence that allows marriage to function properly. Marriage is still considered the standard in our society.
Our parents, family, and friends expect their loved ones to marry eventually, and they frequently make this apparent by their comments and enquiries. (Annorne, 1994).
According to Onyeji (1999), the prevailing belief in Nigerian culture is that people marry because they are in love. Although partially correct, this viewpoint is greatly oversimplified. A variety of motivational variables influence the decision to marry and stay married.
The key factors in marital stability are increased acceptance of cohabitation, a good family background, adequate communication, the absence of interruptions by in-laws, having the same religion, maintaining the same account, fidelity or sincerity, integrity, a lack of suspicion, and, most importantly, a high socioeconomic status.
Neither financial stability nor wealth can guarantee marital stability or satisfaction (Komarorsky 1997).
Komarorsky went on to argue that without money, families are constantly fearful of financial drains such as illness, layoffs, or malfunctioning equipment. Husbands often see themselves as bad providers, and as a result, their self-esteem suffers. This problem is sometimes exacerbated by frustrated wives who blame their husbands for failing to provide for the family.
Amaonye (1998) argues that an understandable reluctance to discuss money worries can hamper spontaneity in conversation. Thus, it is apparent that poverty causes enormous stress in married couples. Given this reality, prospective partners must be realistic about their ability to fund a sustainable future.
Furthermore, when financial resources are abundant, money can be a source of marital conflict (Adeleke, 1991).
According to Adeleke (1991), disagreements about how to spend money are prevalent and potentially harmful at all income levels. Pattman and Llyod (1998) discovered that perceived financial stress, regardless of a family’s real income, was linked to lower marital happiness.
Another study conducted by Martins and Martins (1996) compared how happily couples handled their money to couples who later divorced. Compared to divorced couples, happy couples made more financial decisions together. Thus, the best strategy to avoid difficulties and some financial disputes is to engage in detailed budget planning together (Buss, 1986).
Again, Ochemba (1999) believes that money is critical for the stability of many families. According to him, without money, couples may not experience marital joy and love, which are essential ingredients for staying together as one indivisible organism.
According to Ochefu’s (1992) research, high socioeconomic class families are more likely to experience happiness, love, and affection than low or poor socioeconomic homes.
According to Eraser (1983), in high socioeconomic status homes, parents remain in love, children are cared for, and there is a high level of mutual understanding.
Whereas in poor houses, parents continuously dispute because the spouse is unable to provide for the family or the children’s school fees are not paid on time.
Also, Anyanwu (1980) believes that in a family with poverty and need, there is a tendency for unfaithfulness, contempt, bickering, and quarrelling, which can drive couples to divorce or live like cat and mouse in the same house.
This researcher was motivated to conduct this study because of the issue of couples’ socioeconomic situation and its effects on marital stability.
Mutual concerns must be discussed freely and openly. Efforts should be made to discuss difficulties and find acceptable solutions. Expressions of feelings and a willingness to inform the marital spouse what you anticipate him or her to perform are required before behaviours may be modified to fit a certain situation (Ayodele, 1990).
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