AN EXAMINATION OF DIVORCE TRENDS AMONG MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES: A CASE STUDY OF ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL

AN EXAMINATION OF DIVORCE TRENDS AMONG MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES: A CASE STUDY OF ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Marriage, as a formal and socially sanctioned union, has traditionally played a central role in family formation and stability in Nigerian society. It has been regarded as a lifelong institution, embedded in cultural, religious, and moral expectations. However, divorce — the legal dissolution of marriage — is increasingly emerging as a notable social phenomenon, especially among middle-class families in urban centers such as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). While divorce was once rare and heavily stigmatized in Nigerian society, changing socio-economic dynamics, legal reforms, and shifting gender roles have contributed to a growing acceptance and incidence of marital dissolution (Okonjo-Iweala, 2014).

The middle class in Nigeria is characterized by individuals with tertiary education, professional or entrepreneurial employment, and access to basic amenities such as housing, healthcare, and technology (NBS, 2020). Members of this socio-economic group are often exposed to global cultural values, including liberal views on marriage and individual autonomy. Consequently, there has been a perceptible increase in divorce rates within this demographic, with implications for family cohesion, child upbringing, and social identity.

Several factors account for the rise in divorce among middle-class families. These include increasing financial independence of women, incompatibility in values and lifestyles, infidelity, domestic violence, unmet emotional expectations, and pressures arising from modern urban living (Amadi, 2016). Moreover, access to legal aid and family courts, coupled with reduced cultural stigma in cosmopolitan areas like Abuja, has made it easier for couples to seek divorce without fear of ostracization.

While much academic attention has focused on poverty and traditional family structures, there is a paucity of research on how the modern middle class experiences marriage and divorce. AMAC, as the political and administrative hub of Nigeria, offers a rich context for understanding these evolving trends. The area comprises civil servants, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and expatriates, offering a diverse range of family models and marital experiences.

Sociologically, the rising trend of divorce among middle-class families in Abuja invites an investigation into how modernization, economic empowerment, and individualism are reshaping the institution of marriage. This study therefore seeks to examine the patterns, causes, and consequences of divorce among middle-class families in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In recent years, the Abuja Municipal Area Council has witnessed a noticeable increase in divorce cases among middle-class families, signaling a departure from traditional perceptions of marriage as an indissoluble union. This trend raises significant concerns for scholars, policymakers, and family welfare practitioners. The problem is further complicated by the fact that this shift occurs within a social class presumed to be stable, educated, and resourceful.

Existing studies on divorce in Nigeria often focus on poor households or traditional rural communities, with limited attention to the urban middle class. Yet, middle-class families face unique marital pressures. These include career-related stress, gender role conflicts, high mobility, and the pursuit of individual fulfillment, all of which can strain marital relationships. Moreover, societal expectations on success and image within the middle class may discourage couples from seeking help until divorce becomes inevitable (Ogunsola, 2017).

The growing rate of divorce also affects children, who may suffer emotional and psychological stress, academic instability, and social alienation. Furthermore, the ripple effect on extended families, religious communities, and peer groups can contribute to broader societal shifts in family values. However, there is insufficient empirical evidence to understand how and why middle-class families in Abuja are increasingly experiencing marital breakdowns.

This study addresses this gap by exploring the trends and driving forces behind divorce among middle-class families in AMAC. It also examines how these families cope with the aftermath and how society perceives this growing shift in family dynamics.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To identify the major causes of divorce among middle-class families in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

To analyze the social and psychological consequences of divorce on affected families.

To evaluate societal perceptions and responses to rising divorce rates among the middle class.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the key factors contributing to divorce among middle-class families in AMAC?

What are the immediate and long-term consequences of divorce on middle-class individuals and their children?

How does society view and respond to divorce among middle-class households in Abuja?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between economic independence and the likelihood of divorce among middle-class couples in AMAC.

H₀₂: Societal perception has no significant influence on the coping strategies adopted by divorced individuals in Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research is significant for several reasons. It contributes to the body of knowledge on marriage and divorce in contemporary Nigerian society, particularly within an understudied demographic — the middle class. Policymakers, social workers, and marriage counselors will benefit from insights into the unique stressors faced by middle-class families, enabling the design of targeted interventions and support systems. The study also informs public discourse on evolving marital norms in urban Nigeria, helping to reduce stigma and promote healthier relationships. Lastly, it provides valuable information for family law practitioners and mental health professionals working with divorced individuals.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on middle-class families residing within the Abuja Municipal Area Council. It includes both male and female respondents who have experienced divorce within the last ten years. The study excludes polygamous households and rural-based families to maintain a clear focus on urban middle-class dynamics. Limitations may include participants’ reluctance to disclose personal or sensitive information, as well as the challenge of obtaining accurate data on informal divorces or separations.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Divorce: The legal dissolution of a marital union by a court or other competent body.

Middle-Class Families: Households characterized by moderate to high income, formal education, and urban residence with access to basic social amenities.

Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC): The administrative district within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory where the study is conducted.

Societal Perception: Collective attitudes and beliefs held by the community regarding an issue or social group.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This dissertation is organized into five chapters. Chapter One presents the introduction, including background, problem statement, and research objectives. Chapter Two reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on marriage, divorce, and middle-class family life. Chapter Three outlines the methodology adopted for data collection and analysis. Chapter Four presents and analyzes the research findings, while Chapter Five discusses the results, offers conclusions, and provides recommendations for policy and future research.

References

Amadi, B. (2016). Modern Marriage and Divorce Trends in Urban Nigeria. Nigerian Sociological Review, 14(2), 45–61.

NBS (National Bureau of Statistics). (2020). Household and Family Structure Report: Nigeria. Abuja: NBS Publications.

Ogunsola, F. (2017). The Changing Landscape of Marital Relationships in Nigeria’s Urban Middle Class. African Journal of Social Sciences, 8(1), 67–79.

Okonjo-Iweala, N. (2014). Reforming the Unreformable: Lessons from Nigeria. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.