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FAMILIES IN NIGERIA

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CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN FAMILY RESEARCH

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CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN FAMILY RESEARCH: VOLUME 18

FAMILIES IN NIGERIA: UNDERSTANDING THEIR DIVERSITY, ADAPTABILITY, AND STRENGTHS

EDITED BY

OLUFEMI ADENIYI FAWOLE

University of Ilorin, Nigeria

and

SAMPSON LEE BLAIR

The State University of New York (Buffalo), USA

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

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First edition 2022

Editorial matter and selection © 2022 Olufemi Adeniyi Fawole and Sampson Lee Blair. Individual chapters © 2022 the authors. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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ISBN: 978-1-80262-544-8 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-80262-543-1 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-80262-545-5 (Epub)

ISSN: 1530-3535 (Series)

Contents

About the Editors

Dr. Olufemi Adeniyi Fawole is a Family Sociologist at The University of Ilorin, Nigeria. His research focuses mainly upon parent–child relationships, emerging adulthood, and intimate partner relationships.

He serves as Editorial Board Member of Ilorin Journal of Sociology and Ilorin Journal of Business and Social Sciences. He currently serves as Member, Editorial Advisory Board of Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research.

Dr. Sampson Lee Blair is a Family Sociologist and Demographer at The State University of New York (Buffalo). Much of his research focuses upon parent–child relationships, with particular emphasis on child and adolescent development. In 2010, he received the Fulbright Scholar Award from the US Department of State, wherein he studied parental involvement and children’s educational attainment in the Philippines. He has examined a wide variety of relationship dynamics within families. His recent research has focused upon marriage and fertility patterns in China.

He has served as Chair of the Children and Youth Research Section of the American Sociological Association, as Senior Editor of Sociological Inquiry, Guest Editor of Sociological Studies of Children and Youth, and on the Editorial Boards of Asian Women, Journal of Applied Youth Studies, Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, Journal of Family Issues, Marriage and Family Review, Social Justice Research, Sociological Inquiry, International Journal of Criminology and Sociology, and Sociological Viewpoints. He also serves on the International Advisory Board of Tambara, at Ateneo de Davao University, in the Philippines. In 2018, he was elected as Vice-President (North America) of the Research Committee on Youth (RC34), in the International Sociological Association.

He is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and has taught abroad as a Visiting Professor at Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan) in the Philippines, along with Qingdao University (青岛大学), Shanghai International Studies University (上海外国语大学), Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (上海财经大学), and East China Normal University (华东师范大学), in China. In 2021, he received the Distinguished Career Service Award from the American Sociological Association, for his work with children and youth. Since 2011, he has served as the Editor of Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research.

About the Authors

Lateef Omotosho Adegboyega is a Lecturer in the Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria obtained his Ph.D. (2017) in Educational Guidance and Counselling from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He is a Registered Teacher with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria. He is a Member of Counselling Association of Nigeria; Member, Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria; Member, American Psychological Association. Research interests include marriage/family life counseling and school counseling. His recent publications include:

Adegboyega, L. O. (2019). Influence of moderating variables on Nigerian undergraduates’ emotional intelligence and attitude towards examination. International Journal of Instruction, 12(2), 651–666. Retrieved from http://www.e-iji.net/dosyalar/iji_2019_2_41.pdf

Adegboyega, L. O. (2020). Sources of academic stress among undergraduates at University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth, 12(1), 1–8. Retrieved from https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/cjfy/index.php/cjfy/issue/view/1946

Ayesoro Sunday Adesina is a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Social Development, and a Member of the Academic Board, Isa Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia (former Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia). He obtained his first degree in Sociology, B.Sc. (Hons.) from the University of Ilorin in 1999. He bagged his M.Sc. in Sociology (Development) from Benue State University, Makurdi in 2008. He obtained his Ph.D. Sociology from the Department of Sociology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi in 2019. He is a Member of Nigeria Association of Social Workers and Nigeria Anthropological & Sociological Practitioners Association. He has many publications to his credit in both international and local journals. Also, he has conducted a lot of studies and researches in the field of sociology and related areas particularly, gender studies and women development, family development, sociology of development, intergroup relations, community development, culture, urbanization, crime, children and youth development.

Ebenezer Bayode Agboola is a Lecturer in the Department of Peace and Security Studies, (Criminology and Security studies Programme) Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria. He had his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Sociology from the then Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti now Ekiti state University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and University of Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria, respectively. He is a Ph.D. student (Criminology and Penology), University of Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria. His teaching and research interests include: sociological and criminological theories, research methodology, criminalities, and gender issues. He has published in both national and international journal titles and other publications in Nigeria.

Oluwatobi Joseph Alabi is a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology, from the University of Johannesburg,South Africa. His research interest focus on family, sexuality, and reproduction; gender; poverty, and inequality; and education. He teaches modules in sociology, gender studies, and student development.

Moruf Adebisi Bankole is currently a Lecturer in the Department of General Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University Consult. He holds first and second degrees in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and University of Ibadan, respectively, and currently studying for doctoral degree. His research interests span across industrial sociology, migration studies, demography, and family studies. He is a Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigeria Institute of Management, Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Association among others. He has some local and international publications to his credit.

Faith Ayotunde Bello is a Graduate of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, with a Bachelor degree in Social Work. She has an effective interpersonal communication skill, teamwork and leadership skills, and welfare and management skills. She is currently working at National Agency for the Control of Drugs, Abuja. She is very passionate about family and youth and will like to impact the lives of families and youth because she vehemently believes that the first institution that came into existence is family and if we can get things right at the first institution, it will help to make the world a better place for everyone.

Abena Kyeraa Dapaah received her Bachelor of Education and M.Phil. in Guidance and Counseling degrees from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, in 2009 and 2013, respectively, and her Ph.D. in Educational Guidance and Counseling from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2019. She became an Assistant Lecturer in June 2014 and then a Lecturer I in April 2019 in University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She currently works with Hampshire County Council, United Kingdom as Children’s Home Practitioner. She is the Author and Co-author of several papers in international refereed journals and has made significant contributions at conferences. Her research interests cover several aspects across counseling, including stress and wellbeing. She is presently with Academics UK, where she teaches and counsels young people at several schools across the south of the UK. She is also into Private Practice and a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Abdullahi Kayode Ibrahim is a Lecturer in the Department of Criminology and Security Studies University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. His area of research interest includes the criminal justice system, criminal investigation and practices, social problems, law enforcement, social control mechanism among others. He has published articles and book chapters on these areas in reputable publication outlets. He is a Member of several international and national learned societies including Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association. He has participated and presented papers in several national conferences.

Olusegun Oladele Idowu is a Distinguished Lecturer at the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies, College of Social and Management Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. He holds a Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Peace and Security Studies. He is enthusiastic about research and breaking new frontiers for knowledge in development and security studies. A dedicated, detailed, and reliable researcher with experience in private security, community policing, and peace education. He has published extensively in both local and international journals.

Omowumi Omodunni Idowu is a 2015 recipient of WARC Travel Grant from the West Africa Research Association, Boston. She is a Lecturer I, Ph.D. holder in the Department of Economics, Ekiti State University, Nigeria. She is a Fellow of Lagos Studies Association. Her research interest revolves around issues relating to women, particularly in African context. Her articles have appeared in several local and international journals. Her journey into international exposure as an academic added to her educational background, networks, trainings, and scholarly achievement through grants and sponsorships which helped her ability to conduct a problem-solving research and also stands her out amidst contemporaries.

Olasumbo Bilikisu Kukoyi is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Public Health, Master of Public Health (MPH) from Babcock University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University. Her previous engagement as a Consultant for International Funds for Agricultural Development in addition to her educational attainment has enhanced her writing and research skills. She has published several articles in high impact journals both locally and internationally. Her research interest includes qualitative and quantitative research in areas of epidemiology, health promotion, sexual and reproductive health, public health nutrition and systematic reviews to mention a few.

Christiana Omone Bose Makinde has a M.Ed. in Social Welfare. Currently on a Ph.D. programme in Social Work and has been teaching social work at Babcock University from 2011 till date. Previously, she served as a Welfare Officer with Nigerian Prisons Services for her National Youth Service (NYSC) with Welfare Unit. Practiced as a Social Worker from 2008 to 2013 at Student Support Centre, Babcock University. Coordinated the Substance Abuse Support Group during those years at Student Support Centre of the University. She was involved in the development of Social Work Academic Programme at Babcock University, and served as Co-coordinator of Social Work Degree Programme between 2013 and 2014 at Babcock University. She serves as the Undergraduate Research Project Coordinator of her department. Her areas of Research interest are: suicidiology, gender, child welfare, gerontology, social policy, integration of faith and social work, and curriculum planning and development.

Khadijat Mogaji-Yusuf is a Counsellor I in Unilorin Counselling and Human Development Centre, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Holds Nigeria Certificate in Education in Business Education in (2001), Bachelor and Master degrees in Educational Guidance and Counselling (2013, 2019) and Ph.D. (in view) Counselling in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. A registered teacher with the Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria and Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria. Interested in counseling students and staff of University of Ilorin in areas like educational and career counseling, marital/family counseling, personal–social issues and other related issues. Publications include:

Magaji, K., Esere, M. O., Oniye, S. T., & Annor, P. O. (2019). Effective way of handling bullying behavior among secondary school students in Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Professional Counselling (JPC), 2(2).

Isiaka, G., Olakojo, O. A., & Magaji-Yusuf, K. (2020).

Shuaib Abolakale Muhammed lectures in the Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. degrees in Educational Guidance and Counselling from the same University. He is flair for teaching, consultancy, advocacy, organising and supervising practicum activities, community service, and doing research work. Research interest focuses on dating, courtship, and sexual behaviors of undergraduates, positive parenting and family counseling, behavior problems intervention in schools, counseling practicum development, grief and bereavement in diverse populations, and other general counseling-related issues. Publications include:

Mustapha, M. L. A., Muhammed, S. A., & Olowoniyi, F. F. (2021). Prevalence and forms of online harassment among undergraduates of a Nigerian University. Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 2(1), 1–11.

Muhammed, S. A. (2020). Psychosocial needs of bereaved spouses in Nigeria: Implication for grief counselling. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth, 12(1).

Aminat Adeola Odebode is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She is a Registered Teacher with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, a Member of Counselling Association of Nigeria, Member, Association of Professional Counselors of Nigeria. She is a Licensed Professional Counsellor and Certified Counsellor of Nigeria. Her research interest include marital counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and health counseling. She has the following publications:

Odebode, A. A., & Okesina, F. A. (2017). Expectations of patients towards health care: A case study of Nigeria and Canada. Pakistan Journal of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 8(1), 28–43.

Odebode, A. A. (2018). Influence of psychosocial factors on job performance of female teachers in Kwara State. International Journal of Instruction, 11(3), 233–248.

Tolulope Funmilola Ojo is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti Nigeria. She is currently on her Ph.D. Programme in one of the Nigerian Federal Universities. She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and specializes in Demography from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Ilorin for her B.Sc. (Sociology). She has published several articles in journals both in nationally and internationally and also in other publications in Nigeria. Her teaching and research interests include research methodology, demography and population health, medical sociology, gerontology, maternal and child health among others.

Sunday Stephen Ojo was formerly a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Social Development, Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia and currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Federal University, Gashua. He obtained his Bachelor degree in Sociology, B.Sc (Hons.) from University of Ilorin, 1999. M.Sc in Sociology (Development) from Benue State University, Makurdi, 2008, and Ph.D. in Sociology (Industrial) from University of Abuja, 2015. He is a Member of Nigeria Association of Social Workers and Nigeria Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association. He has published extensively in both international and local journals. Also he has engaged in series of research in the field of sociology and related areas particularly in sociology of development, industrial relations and human resources, community development, gender studies and women development, culture, family studies, urbanization, and crime.

Olawale Yinusa Olonade is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sociology Covenant University. He holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from Landmark University and M.Sc. in Sociology from University of Ibadan with specialization in Sociology of Development. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. program in Covenant University with a research focus on the exploration of rural wealth as a panacea for curbing the incessant rural–urban migration in southwest Nigeria. He is a Recipient of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Early Career Grant and 2021 Summer School of the ACU. He has published widely in both local and international reputable journal outlets in the areas of maternal health, urban sociology, and gender studies.

Mercy Omosefe Omozusi has a Ph.D. in Sociology/Anthropology and Social Work with specialty in Adolescent Mental Health. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management and Policy Development. She is also a Member of several associations and these include National Association of Social Workers Educators, International Association of Schools of Social Work, and African Association of School of Social Work. She is presently working in Department of Social Work & Human Services, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria as Lecturer 1. She has published about 30 articles and book chapters in both local and international. Her areas of research interest include adolescent mental health, gender inequality, population studies, behavioral studies, gerontology, and family and children’s health.

Abdulrazaq Olayinka Oniye holds a Grade II Cert., B.A.Ed. Islamic Studies Education, M.Ed., and Ph.D. Educational Guidance and Counselling. Lectured at Kwara State College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi (1993) and University of Ilorin in 2002; became Professor of Educational Guidance and Counselling (Marriage, Sex and Family Counselling) in 2018. He has held several positions such as Sub-Dean, Faculty of Education (2010–2014); Member of Senate (2010–2014; 2017–2021); and Acting Director, University of Ilorin Counselling and Human Development Centre (2014–2017). He has supervised scores of undergraduates and postgraduate students for their research, dissertation, and theses, respectively. He has published over 60 journal articles nationally and internationally. Currently, the Assistant National Secretary Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria. Still serving as resource person to several colleges of education and universities across Nigeria including the National Universities Commission. Presently on Leave of Absence with the University of Kigali, Rwanda as the Dean School of Education.

Olasunkanmi Adebiyi Osho is currently a Social Welfare Officer at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. He works at the Research and Development Unit of the Ministry where he works as a Researcher and analyzed trending issues on the child and vulnerable citizens as reported within the state. He holds first and second degrees in Sociology from the University of Ilorin. He has Co-authored series of international chapters in book and publications on family and relationships among emerging adults.

Christiana Modupe Sunmonu-David is a Ph.D. Student in the Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education in Mathematics and Geography (2001), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (2005), and Master degree (M.Ed.) (2012) in Educational Guidance and Counselling from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Research works include Factors Influencing the Career Choice of Junior Secondary Students in Ilorin Metropolis (2005) and the Contribution of Rural Women in Boosting the Production Level of Cottage Industries in Ilorin (2012). She works as a School Counsellor in one of the Public Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. A registered teacher with the Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria, Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria and the Royal Life Saving Society of Nigeria. Research interest include: marital/ family life counseling, school counseling, and educational and adolescent counseling.

Foreword

Nigeria, with over a total population size of over 200 million, is made up of over 250 ethnic groups. Nigerian families have undergone tremendous changes over the hundreds of years. These changes have been as a result of societal as well as economic changes. Over the last few decades in Nigerian societies, families have experienced marriage rates drastically falling, with divorce rates rising. Also the number of unmarried individuals are on the increase. Traditional family situations such as large family size with high number of children is fast metamorphosing into one to two children. Polygynous families are giving way to monogamous marriages. The basis of marriage is also changing, from love foundations and procreation to cohabitation or what is now regarded as “friends with benefits.” Culture transmission has also had strong effects. Particularly with the advent of new social media, which allows individuals have unrestricted access to happenings all across the globe, serving as a point of learning and adopting cultures foreign to Nigeria.

This volume of Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research attempts to highlight a comprehension of changes that are occurring in Nigerian families. The volume consists of 11 chapters, all focusing on families in different parts of Nigeria. The chapters address topics varying from changes in marriages on the basis of social media, role change and conflicts, and substance abuse. Four chapters discussed perception and factors contributing to abuse in the family and the final chapter presented a comparison between Nigeria and Ghana.

Social changes have affected not just relationship forms but also dynamic family structures in Nigeria in the last couple of decades. Rules and norms that guide the traditional marriage institution are changing. Oluwatobi Joseph Alabi and Olawale Yinusa Olonade, in their paper “Complexities, Dynamism, and Changes in the Nigerian Family Structure” identified the increase in the popularity of “baby-mamas” and “baby-daddies.” They explained how relationships within marriages have become weaker and more volatile, drawing a link between changing gender roles and the complexity of marriage relationships. In addition, observable changes in marriage were discussed, such as delay in age of marriage, individuals refusing to marry, increase in single never-married parents, cohabiting among unmarried adults, among others. Globalization, just like it has affected other countries, has affected the Nigerian Family system. Culture diffusion and improved educational and technological development have contributed to the changes which have influenced relationships between genders within the family system.

How do mothers who are in the workforce cope with the challenges that do affect their roles as both mother and employee? Moruf Adebisi Bankole and Olasunkanmi Adebiyi Osho’s paper, “Family Roles and Official Responsibilities among Working Mothers in some Selected Work Organizations in Lagos, Nigeria,” examined how some mothers attempt to strike a balance between keeping the family intact while being able to give optimum performance at their jobs. They were able to show that maintaining child care while keeping active at their places of work, particularly for nursing mothers, proved to be quite difficult, as these mothers experienced imbalance between efficient childcare roles and their job tasks. Workplace demands affected the home commitments much more than the effects of home demands on work responsibilities. They found that women were less happy with the way their work responsibilities affect the level of commitment they give to the home. They also do not feel satisfied with how home care demands, particularly bringing up the child, do limit their potentials at the workplace.

We do spend a good deal of our time immersed in social media. This affects our day-to-day communication with others. To what extent does this strong attachment to social media create problems in marriages in Nigeria? Lateef Omotosho Adegboyega, in the paper “Influence of Social Media on Marital Stability of Married Adults in Ilorin Metropolis,” identified some of the issues such as spousal neglect, quarrels emanating from abuse of social media within the family, unsatisfied needs, neglecting family responsibilities, and so on, as having negative effects on how stable a marriage will remain. Social bonds among family members are further reduced with excessive involvement in the use of social media. The findings showed that not only does excessive use of social media encourage marital infidelity, it also promotes family negligence and creates avenues for conflicts between spouses. The paper also showed that the longer one has married, and marrying late in age, the more stable they are likely to be.

In Nigeria, women have not been regarded as having the ability to meet the needs of the family. Men, on the other hand, are seen as the traditional head of the homes. Omowumi Omodunni Idowu and Olusegun Oladele Idowu, in their paper “Women, Labor Participation and Household Poverty in Nigeria,” covers the period 1990–2020, tried to show how the involvement of women in formal economic engagement is a consequence of household poverty rather than contemporary urban development. Using data from World Bank and autoregressive distributive lags, they used unemployment as an index for poverty and analyzed in threefold (male unemployment, female unemployment, and total unemployment) the effect on female labor participation. Findings showed that while one year lagged female labor force participation (FLFP), factors, such as family size and gender ratio in labor participation positively influence female labor participation. Also, women were more willing to be economically active outside the home. However, female unemployment, male unemployment, and GDP growth rate were identified to have negative effects.

Tolulope Funmilola Ojo, Ebenezer Bayode Agboola, and Olasumbo Bilikisu Kukoyi’s paper “Family Factors and Psychoactive Substance Use among Adolescents in Nigeria,” examined the influence of family factors on the use of psychoactive substances among the adolescents in Nigeria. When positive values are not encouraged within the family, negative values will be developed and adopted by the children. They identified factors that increase the propensity of adolescents to engage in delinquent behaviors to include family conflict, poor communication practices, and unemployment. When these factors are at play, they act as reinforcement for aggression and interpersonal hostility, which could then encourage them to indulge in substance abuse. Their findings show how family factors have significant influence on the use of psychoactive substances among adolescents in Nigeria. Obtaining data from 144 participants, with the use of empirical data, the study found that more of the delinquent behavior involved children from unstable homes and low socioeconomic status families.

Furthermore, with family planning having strong positive influence on the wellbeing of the mothers, for instance, by reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, Abdullahi Kayode Ibrahim, in this paper “Factors Influencing the Attitude of Women Toward Family Planning Method in Nigeria,” tried to discuss the practice as being a major health issue in Africa, and particularly, Nigeria. The paper showed that factors like malnutrition, population boom, and diseases raise particular concerns for the country. He attempted to highlight the importance of a good and efficient family planning scheme and sexual abstinence by the unmarried, he also identified how much importance can be put on family planning: poverty reduction, reducing malnutrition in children, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. A number of factors are equally having their toll on the attitude of the women toward family planning in Nigeria. The use of family planning methods is much more common among middle-aged women than younger and older ones. Women with higher education tend to embrace family planning services more and are more likely to adopt the use than their peers with lower education.

Ayesoro Sunday Adesina and Sunday Stephen Ojo’s paper “Perception of Spousal Abuse: The Bane of Family Stability in Nigerian Contemporary Society. A Study of Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State,” discuss how spousal abuse is having negative effects on marriage stability. Using a sample size of 200 respondents and another 20 participants, questionnaire and focus group discussions, respectively, were adopted to elicit information. They found that physical, verbal, and psychological abuse are recognized as spousal abuse in Lafia. They further identified substance abuse, prior history of aggression and violence, and proximal social relationships with peers as variables which could trigger spousal abuse, thus threatening the stability of the marriage. Their finding also reveals that partner battering, spousal rape, or sexual deprivation, and so on constitute spousal abuse in Lafia.

The home is supposed to function as a place of warmth, comfort, and love. But when different pressures rear their heads, conflict is inevitable. Christiana Omone Bose Makinde, Mercy Omosefe Omozusi, and Faith Ayotunde Bello’s paper “Psychosocial Factors of Home Conflict as Predicators to the Academic Performance of Young Adults,” identified parental involvement in the lives of children go a long way in improving their growth and development. Where conflicts occur and on a continuous basis, the effects on the children can be devastating. Studying 387 young adults, they found that when there are conflicts in the home, they produce tension and anxiety for the children, and these in turn will affect their responsiveness to academic requirements. They further identified poor parenting, poor communication between parents and their children as factors that could increase the social anxiety for the children. Rather than the children developing strong abilities to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for their development into later life stages, they often results in breaking household rules or the law, aggressive behavior is violent and unpredictable as a consequence of conflicts arising from within the family.

What are those factors that could be responsible for partners being unfaithful to their spouses in Nigeria, and to what extent do spouses of such unfaithful partners experience domestic violence? Examining Ekiti State, in “Marital Infidelity and Domestic Violence among Married Couples in Ekiti State, Nigeria,” Ebenezer Bayode Agboola and Tolulope Funmilola Ojo provide data on 150 participants in Ado-Ekiti. Domestic violence (battering, marital rape, and murder) is on the increase in Nigeria, with about a third of all Nigerian women having experienced such. They highlighted contributory factors to include name calling, humiliation, denying spouse of sexual intercourse, as well as distrust of one another.

Following an approach different from the previous chapter, Aminat Adeola Odebode in “Prevalence of Husband Battering as viewed by Literate Married Adults in Kwara State, Nigeria,” examined what 386 married adults had to say on how gender, duration of marriage, and educational attainment could have effects on domestic violence. While reports of violence against women by men are extensive, violence by married women against their husbands are rarely reported. These include not only physical violence but also verbal abuse and threats against husbands, starving their husband of food and even sex. Others include pouring of hot liquids such as water and acid on their husbands. The reasons are not farfetched either. Husbands have been accused of infidelity. Also, women have been seen to react to abusive conducts from their husband by being abusive in turn. As a result of cultural practices or taboos (being regarded as weak or “not being man enough”) in Nigeria, the married men, who experience these acts of abuse do not report these incidents to the authorities. Shame, stigmatization, and fear of being ridiculed also weaken the motivation or the will of the men to make official reports or such behaviors.

Are there differences in the preference to styles of sex according to couples from two West African Countries? Abdulrazaq Olayinka Oniye, Shuaib Abolakale Muhammed, Khadijat Mogaji-Yusuf, Christiana Modupe Sunmonu-David, and Abena Kyeraa Dapaah’s chapter “Intimacy Style Preference of Married Adult in West African. A Case of Nigeria and Ghana” identified sexual intimacy as one of the major factors affecting stability of marriages particularly in West Africa. When couples engage in sexual activities, rather than focus on the pleasures attached, they concentrate largely on procreation. Thus, neglecting the roles which different styles of sex play in maintaining sexual satisfaction. They identified communication styles, (sending signals of love and affection) and sexual behaviors as having correlation with marital satisfaction. Even though individuals are unique in their preferences, findings revealed that married adults from both countries have preferences for similar styles of sex.

These chapters present the interrelatedness between gender, educational attainment, culture and family norms, effects of societal changes on the attitudes of people, which in turn helps to modify, shape and direct ideas, thoughts, and perceptions of Nigerian families in their different cultural differences. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the authors, reviewers, and also the staff at Emerald Publishing, all of whom helped to make this collection on Nigerian families possible.

Olufemi Adeniyi Fawole

Sampson Lee Blair