SOCIO CULTURALDETERMINANTS OF INFERTILITY AND MARRIAGE INSTABILITY AMONG THE NATIVES OF ONITSHA, IN ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE
Augustine Nwanosike Anyamene
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Benson Idahosa University, Benin City
Email: anayameme@biuedung
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the socio-cultural determinants of infertility and marriage instability among the natives of Onitsha. The objectives of the study were to examine the sociocultural determinants of infertility underlying marriage instability, the gender factors associated with infertility, the socio-cultural consequences of infertility and the societal
opinions about the infertile couples. In this research work, descriptive survey was used to accurately portray the socio-cultural determinants of infertility and marriage instability among the natives of Onitsha. Consequently, 199 questionnaires were distributed to the
individuals who have a close relationship with childless couples in Onitsha inland Town. The study employed descriptive statistics and chi-square to analyze the data obtained. It was found from the study that the cause of infertility cannot be attributed to supernatural causes. It was also shown that male and female gender contributes to infertility and marital instability is often a consequence of infertility. It was shown from the research that gender factors affect marriage instability. The study also found out that family members show disregard for infertile couples. It is therefore recommended that those facing the challenge of infertility should check out options available to them such as insemination or
intracytoplasmic sperm injection. However, if all attempts fail, couples should accept their condition and stay strong. Further sensitization, counseling, and awareness are needed so that childless couples or individuals are not discriminated against.
