Impact Of Early Marriage On The Educational Attainment Of Adolescence
(In Enugu North Local Government Area Enugu State)
Early marriage, defined as the union of individuals before reaching the legal age of adulthood, significantly affects the educational attainment of adolescents. This phenomenon detrimentally influences academic progress by diverting attention away from schooling and towards familial responsibilities prematurely. Adolescents entering early marriages often face challenges balancing household duties, childcare responsibilities, and educational pursuits, leading to increased dropout rates and limited access to higher education opportunities. Moreover, early marriage can perpetuate cycles of poverty by restricting socio-economic mobility and perpetuating gender inequalities. The ramifications extend beyond individual adolescents to encompass broader societal implications, hindering progress towards achieving educational equity and sustainable development goals. Efforts to mitigate the impact of early marriage on educational attainment necessitate comprehensive strategies addressing socio-cultural norms, legal frameworks, and access to reproductive health services, thereby empowering adolescents to fulfill their educational potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
This study determined the impact of early marriage on the educational attainment of adolescence in Enugu North L.G.A. Three research questions were raised and answered while three hypotheses were formulated and tested. The literature review related to this study was conducted under the following: factors that induce early marriage, consequences of early marriage, gender differential, and importance of female education. The research design is survey and instrument is questionnaire. The population of this study is one thousand (1000) while the sample is hundred and thirty (130). The instrument was administered and responses collected on the spot. The responses were analyzed using mean, frequency and percentage. Results shows that greater percentages of youths were being forced to into early marriage by their parents/guardians. Girls were affected by early marriage more than their male counterparts. These notwithstanding, the girls were trained more at higher degree level more than the boys whose training ended mostly at SSCE or below. Recommendations and suggestions were made for further research.
ContentsI
Title PageII
Approval PageIII
Certification IV
AcknowledgementV
Table of ContentVI
AbstractVII
Chapter OneVIII
Introduction I
Background of the StudyI
Statement of Problem4
Purpose of Problem5
Significance of the Study5
Scope of the Study6
Research Questions6.
Research Hypotheses7.
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature8
Factors that Induce Early Marriage 8
Consequences of Early Marriage14
Gender Differential. Importance of Female Education20
Summary of Related literature Review 23
Chapter three
Research Methodology 24
Design of the Study24
Population of the Study24
Sample and Sampling Technique25
Instrument of the Study25
Validation of the Instrument25
Administration of the Instrument 26
Method od Data Analysis 26
Chapter Four
Presentation and Analysis of Data28
Chapter Five
Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendation 35
Suggestion for further Studies39
References .41
Appendices .44
Appendix A Letter to the Respondents44
Appendix B. Questionnaire 45
Appendix c Name of Schools Used49
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study:
Education is the process by which society through schools, colleges, universities and other institutions transmits its cultural heritage, values, skills from one generation to another. (Ukeje, 1980).According to Ozochi (2008), Education too many is seen as a solution for vast range of task of the society and bed rock for national development. The National policy in Nigeria education (2004 revised) saw education as a dynamic instrument per excellence for effecting national development and a potent means for ensuring the welfare of the people and the equalization of life chance. The benefits derivable from educational investment equip the individual for proper understanding of important phenomena and further exploitation of human and material resources.
It is on this background that Okeke (2004) opined that who so neglect learning in his youth loses the past and is dead for the future. Ocho (1988) is of the opinion that the central purpose of education is virtue or character training, acquisition of knowledge, understanding and physical skills. Every nation should therefore take its educational system and process very serious because an error made in the training of the child becomes a perpetual and mortal error and disabilities in education in subsequent decades. Education is equally the process whereby one is prepared for the task of living happily with one’s neighbours and advancing the cause of one’s society as well as finding solution to its nagging problems (Okeke2004).
In traditional African society, the role of female was pegged and circumscribed. It was considered a taboo sending a female to school. This is because of the attitude towards of education for women. It was considered a waste of money, time and effort considering that most women in no time get married into another family, to raise the children that serve as farm hands for their father. In addition to raising the children for the man, the women still helped to keep the house and provide meal for all. Hence the saying some years back that women’s education ends in the kitchen. This primitive attitude exposes women to early marriage.
According to UNICEF (2008), Early marriage better known as child marriage is defined as marriage carried below the age 18years before the girl is physically, physiologically and psychologically ready to shoulder the responsibilities of marriage and child bearing. Early marriage also means the individual becomes sexually active early, raising children while children themselves. The marriage of a young girl affects not only her life but the life of the children she will bear.
According to AGHI (2003), both boys and girls are affected by child marriage but the issue impacts more negatively on girls in far larger number, with more intensity and is wide ranging. Child marriage is practised with the belief that it reduces promiscuity among girls. This is purely because of the importance attached to virginity. Often time’s husbands want their wives to be virgins and for their parents, it is a great honour for their daughters to be found virgins by their husbands, and so girls are marriage off long before they attain maturity.
In the past, when a young girl is married, her husband is expected to wait until she reaches puberty age before consummating the marriage. The girl will stay with her mother in-law for two to three years. This is no longer taking place nowadays. Uzodike (1990);suggested that cohabitation between the husband and the wife should not occur until the girl reach puberty stage, it is not into practice today rather children under thirteen years of age who are scarcely developed are subjected into intercourse with their husbands long before they attain maturity. The young girl that is not fully matured enters into marital life without completing her education and when pregnant is likely to develop childbirth complications like VVF (Vesico Virginal Fistula). This poses problem to both the girl child and the society in general.
Statement of Problem:
The present state of the nation (Nigeria) demands that youths should be educated first before marriage. It is on this note that the researchers would like to investigate on the causes of early marriage among adolescent of Enugu north L.G.A. the study also identified the impact it has on the educational attainment of our youths. Consequently determined the involvement of parents in such marriage since education is a major instrument for the development of any nation. Early marriage puts the youth at a disadvantage by their loss of educational opportunities. The level of the development for any nation is measured by the level of the educational attainment of the people in the area. The more people in the area are educated, the more the area will be developed.
The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of early marriage on the educational attainment of youths.
Specifically, the Study
i. Determined the relationship between early marriage and educational attainment.
ii. Ascertained the causes of early marriage among youths of Enugu North Local Government Area.
iii. To know the difference existing in education of boys and girls in Enugu North Local Government Area.
The result of the study will be a useful instrument to the students, teachers, curriculum planners, parents, government.
The students would find the work necessary when they consult this project for further research. It will also serve as a reference during their project writings
Teachers on their part, we use it in assigning further study on the work for other researchers.
The curriculum planner will be able from the result of the findings to involve more on practice than theory to enable school leavers be dependent. Parents on the other hand should be able to see the importance of educating their children first before marriage. This will enable their children to be matured enough to take up parental responsibilities.
Lastly, government can help by enacting a national law which permits a minimum marriage of 18years. The government should also help by reviving the economy, so that each strata of the social stratification in our family system will be able to able to train their children.
Scope of the Study
This study was carried out on Secondary School (JSS3). These students are in ages 13-15 and are students who are concerned as early marriageable. Also selected parents from ANPPCAN (African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect) was use
Three research questions guides this study:
1) What are the factors responsible for early marriage among youth of Enugu North L.G.A?
2) What are the relationship between early marriage and educational attainment?
3) What are the differences existing in education of boys and girls of Enugu North L.G.A?
The following hypothesis were formulated by the researcher:
1) The value system of the people has no role to role to play in the early marriage of the youth.
2) The educational background of the girl child is not a barrier to submissive marriage.
3) The impact of early marriage is more on girls than boys.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Impact Of Early Marriage On The Educational Attainment Of Adolescence:
Early marriage can have a significant impact on the educational attainment of adolescents, particularly young girls. While the specific outcomes can vary depending on cultural, social, and economic factors, the general consequences are often negative. Here are some ways in which early marriage can affect the educational attainment of adolescents:
Disruption of Education:
Early marriage can disrupt a young person’s education. Adolescents who get married often have to drop out of school to fulfill their marital and household responsibilities. This interruption in education can limit their future prospects and opportunities for higher education.
Reduced Access to Education:
In some cultures, early marriage is accompanied by strict gender roles and expectations. Young brides, in particular, may be expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over their education. This can limit their access to schooling.
Lower Educational Aspirations:
Adolescents who marry early may develop lower educational aspirations. They might believe that their primary role is to take care of their family, which can discourage them from pursuing further education or career goals.
Economic Constraints:
Early marriage can lead to economic constraints that make it difficult for adolescents to continue their education. Financial pressures, such as providing for a family or paying for basic needs, can force them to forgo education in favor of work.
Limited Opportunities:
Early marriage can limit the opportunities available to adolescents, especially young girls. They may face restrictions on their mobility and social interactions, which can further isolate them from educational and personal development opportunities.
Increased Risk of Early Pregnancy:
Early marriage often leads to early childbearing. Adolescent mothers face additional challenges in balancing their roles as wives, mothers, and students. Pregnancy-related health issues and childcare responsibilities can make it even harder to pursue education.
Lower Educational Attainment:
Research has shown that early marriage is associated with lower educational attainment in the long term. Adolescents who marry early are less likely to complete their schooling and achieve their full academic potential.
Cycle of Poverty:
Early marriage can perpetuate a cycle of poverty. Adolescents who marry young and have limited education may struggle to find stable employment or escape economic hardship, which can affect not only their own lives but also the well-being of their children.
It’s important to note that the impact of early marriage on educational attainment can vary widely depending on the context and individual circumstances. Efforts to address this issue may involve policies and programs that promote gender equality, discourage early marriage, provide access to education, and support adolescent girls and boys in pursuing their educational goals while also addressing their specific needs within a marriage.