Divorce among women and its effect on children’s academic performance (A Case Study of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

            Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the termination of a marital union, the canceling and/or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country and or state. Reasons for divorce vary, from insufficient sex, lack of independence, or a personality clash. Rapoport and Yossef (2005).  Causes of divorce according to Hill, (2013) were: Adultery; Extramarital sex; Infidelity , Domestic violence , Midlife crisis , Addictions, alcoholism and gambling .

Divorce laws vary considerably around the world, but in most countries it requires the sanction of a court or other authority in a legal process. The legal process of divorce may also involve issues of alimony (spousal support), child custody, child visitation / access, parenting time, child support, distribution of property, and division of debt. Elizabeth, Landes and Becker (2001).

Divorce can be a stressful experience: affecting finances, living arrangements, household jobs, schedules, parenting and the outcomes of children of the marriage as they face each stage of development from childhood to adulthood. If the family includes children, they may be deeply affected. Yossef, (2005). Children are often the forgotten casualties on the divorce battlefield. John (2013) states: “Many adults who are trapped in very unhappy marriages would be surprised to learn that their children are relatively content. They don’t care if Mom and Dad sleep in different beds as long as the family is together.”

Admittedly, children are often aware of parental conflicts, and marital tension can take a toll on their young minds and hearts. Cohen, (2012). However, to assume that a divorce will automatically be in their best interests could be a mistake. “The structure that marriage provides appears to help parents maintain the kind of consistent, moderate discipline to which children respond, even when the marriage is less than ideal. Linda, (2010).

In an American Psychological Association study (2012) of parents’ relocation after a divorce, researchers found that a move has a long-term effect on children. In the first study conducted amongst 2,000 pupils on the effects of parental relocation relating to their children's well-being after divorce, researchers found major differences. In divorced families in which one parent moved, the pupils  received less financial support from their parents compared with divorced families in which neither parent moved.

These findings also imply other negative outcomes for these students, such as more distress related to the divorce and did not feel a sense of emotional support from their parents. Although the data suggests negative outcomes for these students whose parents relocate after divorce, there is insufficient research that can alone prove the overall well-being of the child.   McKenzie (2002).

Divorce is associated with diminished psychological well-being in children and adult offspring of divorced parents, including greater unhappiness, less satisfaction with life, weaker sense of personal control, anxiety, depression, and greater use of mental health services. Rodgers, (2001). Children of divorced parents are also more likely to experience conflict in their own marriages, and are more likely to experience divorce themselves. They are also more likely to be involved in short-term cohabiting relationships, which often dissolve before marriage. Donald, (2008):

   Parents simply do not realize the damage they do to their children by the battles they wage over them. Separating parents rarely behave reasonably, although they always believe that they are doing so, and that the other party is behaving unreasonably.  William 2004). Although not the intention of most parents, putting children in the middle of conflict is particularly detrimental. Examples of this are asking children to carry messages between parents, grilling children about the other parent's activities, and putting the other parent down in front of the children. Amato,(2001).

1.2      Statement of the Problem   

             Children from divorce home may face problems including:  academic, behavioral, and psychological problems. Although this may not always be true, studies suggest that children from divorced families are more likely to exhibit such behavioral issues than those from non-divorced families, stated Hill, (2012).

Studies have also shown that parental skills decrease after a divorce occurs; however, this effect is only a temporary change. “A number of researchers have shown that a disequilibrium, including diminished parenting skills, occurs in the year following the divorce but that by two years after the divorce re-stabilization has occurred and parenting skills have improved”.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main thrust of this study is to survey divorce among women and its effect on children’s academic performance (A Case Study of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State).  Other specific objectives shall include the following;

        i.            Examine the causes of divorce among married couple.

     ii.            Determine effects of divorce on children

   iii.            Determine the relationship between pupils’ home background and their   academic performance in primary school.

1.4 Significance of the Study.

The finding of this study will be of great benefit to teachers, primary school administrators, government and non-governmental organizations and the general public. The study will expose how  divorce contribute negatively to pupils’ academic performance, the effects of home background on pupils’ behaviors in schools, as well as the role teachers, school heads, ministry of education plays in moulding behaviuor of students.

Since primary school pupils are at their formative year and they tend to duplicate the behavior of their models (i.e) parents, teachers and peer the study will therefore bring to focus the need for all hands to be on deck toward achieving discipline in the school and integrating pupils from:  troubled home , single parent, widowed, and ultimately from divorce home into achieving positive academic achievement , the study will also  serve as consulting materials to other researcher in the field of knowledge. It will also help to create awareness among family as to re-awaken and rekindle their interest in rendering moral support to their children. It will allow the administrators to be aware that their interaction with families is significant to school development and educational goals achievement.

1.5       Research Hypotheses

HO₁:  There is no significant relationship between divorce and pupils academic performance.

HO₂: There is no significant difference in the academic performance among pupil from married couple and pupils from divorcé home

HO₃: There is no significant relationship There is no significant relationship between students’ home background and students’ discipline in primary School

1.6       Scopes of the Study.

The scope of this study covers a survey of  divorce among women and its effects on children’s academic performance (A Case Study of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State).   

1.7       Definition of Terms

Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the termination of a marital union, the canceling and/or reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage, thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between a married couple under the rule of law of the particular country and/or state.

 Annulment :  annulment, which declares the marriage null and void; with legal separation (a legal process by which a married couple may formalize a de facto separation while remaining legally married). 

Teacher: A teacher is a person who imparts reasonable knowledge to the students. Teachers are the most important factors in determining the quality of education.

Achievement: Scores of students obtained from social studies achievement score mathematics.

 Community: a community is referred to as a group of people living together within a defined geographical area

Parent Teacher Association: an organisation of both the parent and teachers that contribute to the welfare of the school

Government Agency:  a public parastatal charge with specific responsibility. These are ministry of education. Teaching service commission and local government education authority

Child:  a young human who is not yet an adult.

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