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Abstract
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Article Information:
Socio-cultural Context of Adolescents’ Motivation for Marriage and Childbearing in North-Western Nigeria: A Qualitative Approach
G. James
Corresponding Author: Godswill James
Submitted: 2010 September, 13
Accepted: 2010 October, 14
Published: 2010 November, 10 |
Abstract:
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Nigeria has experienced high fertility levels over the last three decades, despite the implementation
of the National Policy on Population in 1988 which stipulated four children per woman, and eighteen years as
the minimum age at marriage. The proportional contribution of adolescents’ fertility (among women age 15-19)
to the overall fertility rate among women age 15-49 has been increasing over time. A comprehensive
understanding of adolescents’ fertility behavior requires exploring the motivations and desires of both males
and females as they influence male-female relationships and how the related behavioral outcomes are modified
by contexts in which they occur. Hence, this research article investigated the contexts of adolescent motivations
for marriage and childbearing in North-Western Nigeria. Primary data were obtained using qualitative methods.
Thirty-six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among adolescents aged 15-19 years, stratified by
sex, marital status, fertility status and residence; and 48 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with community-resident
adolescents who have ever married or/and have begun childbearing. Results show that adolescents’ attitudes
are largely pronatalist. Motivations for teenage marriage and childbearing reflect various levels of influence,
such as parental pressure and social norms. Individual needs and desires also feature prominently, including
economic survival, connection with wealthy and powerful individuals, domestic help and guaranteed support,
as well as high reproductive risks. There is need for an external catalyst to raise awareness and to address the
reproductive behavior or norms in North-Western Nigeria.
Key words: Adolescent pregnancy, fertility behavior, motivation, reproduction, sexuality, ,
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Cite this Reference:
G. James, . Socio-cultural Context of Adolescents’ Motivation for Marriage and Childbearing in North-Western Nigeria: A Qualitative Approach. Current Research Journal of Social Sciences, (5): 269-275.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3246
ISSN (Print): 2041-3238 |
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