Ndubuisi, Confidence Onyinye1, Onwuama, Onyeyilichukwu Peter2 and Nkemnele, Chibueze Charles3*.
1-3Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Corresponding Author’s email: nkemnelecharles@gmail.com
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the impact of childlessness among married couples in Oji-River Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu state. While having children is a societal norm and expectation after marriage, the inability to conceive after a long time can have profound psychological and social repercussions on couples. Childlessness presents diverse challenges, thus affecting persons involved and the wider community at large. Hence, this research delves into the socio-cultural impact of childlessness on married couples in Oji-river LGA of Enugu State using a cross-sectional research design. Simple random technique was used to select three communities in Oji-river LGA. Random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select 140 respondents who filled the structured questionnaire, which was used as the instrument for data collection. The findings unveil a relationship between childlessness and social incompatibility, leading to marital instability, stigmatization, denial of cultural rights, separation, and abuse. The findings of the study also indicated willingness and openness of childless couples to adoption in-spite of financial constraints and non-existence of adoption centers in the area. Consequently, the study recommends the establishment of adoption centers within the region and the implementation of adoption-friendly policies, alongside vigorous awareness campaign throughout the community, on the causes and coping strategies of infertility.
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