Economic Homogamy and Marital Satisfaction: An Ecological Analysis of Income and Education Dynamics among Couples in Lagos State

Marital satisfaction is a multidimensional construct shaped significantly by socio-demographic variables. This study empirically examined the predictive roles of educational attainment, household income level, and ethnic background on marital satisfaction among married couples in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Guided by Ecological Systems Theory and Gottman's Balance Model of Marriage (1991), the study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 192 married respondents was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique across four sub-divisions of Alimosho LGA. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using binary logistic regression via SPSS Version 20. Findings revealed significant relationships between (1) couples' level of education and marital satisfaction (χ² = 9.246, p = .026), (2) couples' income level and marital satisfaction (χ² = 11.167, p = .048), and (3) couples' ethnic background and marital satisfaction (χ² = 19.548, p = .000). These results underscore the critical roles of socioeconomic resources and cultural congruence in sustaining marital quality. Implications for family policy, marriage counselling, and future research are discussed.

marital satisfaction, educational attainment, household income, ethnic background, Lagos, Nigeria

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