International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue VII, July 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Single Parenthood and Its Effect on the Nigerian Child: A Case Study of Amassoma Community in Bayelsa State

EKPENYONG, AS (PhD)

Department of Sociology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract:-The study examines the effect of single parenthood on the Nigerian child, using Amassoma community as a case study. All children between the ages of twelve to seven (12-17) who are living in single parent homes and dual parent homes constituted the population of the study. The study adopted a survey and co-relational study design. A total sample of 220 children was selected using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A well-structured questionnaire was the main source of primary data collection. The descriptive statistics of percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation were the basic analytical tool used for the analysis of socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents while, the inferential statistics of binary regression logistics and spearman correlation coefficient served as the tool for determining the relationship between variables. The findings of the study showed that single parenting has a negative effect on children, that is, children in single parent families face significantly greater problems than children raised in dual parent families. Based on the findings, the study recommended amongst other things that parent stay together with children to ensure that their welfare is properly catered for; that public enlightenment on issue if parent skills, family planning, family values and child discipline should be done regularly as this will strengthen and integrate families.

Keywords: Single Parenthood, Dual Parenthood, Child, Family

I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The socialisation of children is very important for the continuity of any culture. The family is said to be the most important agent of socialization, especially for children. Children in most communities are raised in a highly structured and disciplined manner, parents helped to instil and inculcate strong basic moral, spiritual, social physical and cognitive principles in their children (Santrock, 2004).
African system of raising children in extended family pattern has changed a great deal with the advent of industrialization and globalization. Family lives have been disrupted with the rapid social change that comes with globalization (Olaleye et al., 2010).