Abstract

Single parenthood is a social phenomenon that has always been in existence and is as old as mankind. There was a rapid and drastic increase in the number of single-parent families in the latter half of the twentieth century. This change has been used by some to argue that we are witnessing the breakdown of the family with negative effects for children, families, and society. Single-parent families have been present in all societies over time. The numbers of single parents’ families have increased drastically and it is gaining a global dimension. Regardless of how family diversity is viewed the increase in and prevalence of families headed by one parent has a major influence on the social, economic, and political context of family life. In view of this background, this study has empirically examined the socio-economic factors influencing single parenthood in Kaduna North Local Government Area. To address the problem of study, three research questions were raised. The researcher adopted a survey research design and In-depth interview (IDI). A total of one hundred and eighty-nine (189) respondents comprised the target of the study. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guide were the instruments used for data collection. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), frequency tables and percentages (%) were employed in the data analysis.







TABLE OF CONTENTS







CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background of the study ……………………………………………………………………..1

1.2 Statement of research problem …………………………………………………........……..3

1.3 Research question ………………………………………………………………………........6

1.4 Research objectives ………………………………………………………...............………..7

1.5 Significance of the study …………………………………………………..…………………..7

1.6 Scope of the study …………………………………………………..…………….........……..8

1.7 Definition of terms ……………………………………………………...……….....................8







CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………….......……..….......…………9

2.2 The socio-economic factors influencing single parenthood………………….....……………9

2.3 The socio-economic challenges associated with single parenthood………….........………15

2.4 The coping strategies employed by single parents ………………...………......…....………21

2.5 Theoretical Framework ……………………………………....…………………...…....…………31

2.5.1 The Conflict Theory………........................………………...…………….……………………32

2.5.2 Social Exchange Theory …………….................………………………………………………35







CHAPTER THREE

Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction ………………………………………………….............…………….....……………36

3.2 Location of the study ……………………………………….......………………….......…………26

3.3 Source of data collection ………………………………………..........………….........…………37

3.4 Sample size and Sampling method ………………………….............………….………………38

3.5 Method of data collection ……………………………………….......……….……………………39

3.6 Method of data analysis ………………………………………......………….……...…………….40

3.7 Problems encountered from the field ………………………………..........…….…………….…41







CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION







CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------59

5.2 Discussion of Findings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------61

5.3Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69

5.4 Recommendations -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70

REFERENCE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------74

APPENDIX 1 QUESTIONNAIRE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82

APPENDIX II ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 85