THE ROLE OF INFERTILITY IN MARITAL DISSOLUTION
ABSTRACT
This study attempts to find out the association between the experience of infertility
and marital dissolution the theories used in this study are phenomenology, social
learning theory and symbolic internationalism. The method employed in the study is qualitative research methods which is the survey method. By this method quantitative data was generated through the use of a structured questionnaire distributed among the respondents. Findings from this study based on infertility and stigmatization
corroborates the work of Ali and Sami (2006) were about 65% had reported being isolated because of no children,
25.8% had been abused verbally for the same reason and 9.3% had been abused physically because of the sam questionnaire distributed among the respondents. Findings from this study based on infertility and stigmatization
reason. Findings based on infertility and frequency of quarrels among couples were consistent with the work of
Idowu, (2003) were about 23% of spouses reported having fought physically with their spouses. Furthermore, findings
also reveal the fact that infertility in relation to willingness to quit marriage were consistent with the work of Vanbalen,
F. and Bos, H. M. W et al (2009) were about 38.8% do not have children and have not thought of leaving their
marriage while 14.8% had children and still thought of leaving their marriage. Findings further revealed that infertility
in relation to quality of relationship with spousal family was in agreement with the worked of Pedro A. (2015) and
Bliss, C. (1999). This study therefore concludes that there is an association between the independent and all the
dependent variables. This study therefore recommends that the mass media should sensitize the public on the
unbecoming relationship being given to the infertile woman so that there can be a correction. Also, the religious
institutions should be the harbinger or at the forefront of correcting ill treatment to the infertile woman whom study has shown is being abused physically, verbally and also isolated.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In this piece, the consequences of childlessness in relation to divorce and separation would be highlighted which cuts
across racial and geographical boundaries. Some of these consequences include but not limited to frequencies of
quarrels with member of spousal family, stigmatization and possible conflict between couples.
Stigmatization is a product of the circumstances and experiences that in most part of the world children were
perceived as sustenance of the family lineage and inheritances especially in societies that are patrilineal in nature.
Life associated with absence of children was perceived not worth living as there would be nobody to acquire the
properties of the deceased Tabong and Adongo, (2013); Mulder, M.B., (1999); Hollos, M., et al (2007). Marital discord
is synonymous with couples with infertility issues. This is profound especially with the couples where the infertility
problems are more in women than we have in men. Sultan, (2010) Sexual intercourse often becomes a level playing
field where this is played out. According to Richard, S.E., (2010) “Forty percent of infertile women suffer from sexual
problem that cause them distress compared with 25% of the control group of healthy women”. Couples with fertility
issues are subject to scrutiny, pressure from friends, families and other social group. Sultan, (2010 ); James, S.D., (2011 ); W.H.O., (2010). Effect of conflict among couples often leads to instability and reproduction problems. Often times revelation of
concealed pre-marital history is an issue that also lead to conflict. Omoregbe, S.K., (2010); Chikwuka, C.O., (2013); Wani, (2011).
THE ROLE OF INFERTILITY IN MARITAL DISSOLUTION