Sociological Examination of Single Parenthood
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is a sociological examination of single parenthood. But for the successful completion of the study; the researcher intends to achieve the following sub-objectives;
- To identify the causes of single parenthood
- To ascertain the effect of single parenthood on a child
- To compare the attitude of a single parent-child to that of a parent-child
- To ascertain the relationship between single parenthood and the psychological behaviour of a child
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
FAMILY DEFICIT MODEL
Hetherington and Kelly, (2002) described Family Deficit Model as the ideal and normal family structure of the nuclear or two-parent family. This model upholds that single-parent families tend to show some negative influences on children since such families are not nuclear in structure. The structure plays down the effects that economic and other background factors could have on academic attainments of the learners (Donahoo, 2003). In the view of Hill (2006), family deficit model assumes that single-parent households are deficient in some critical ways for effective child training. This could be so since there may not be any single parent (father or mother) that can fully play roles father and mother in the upbringing of the child in all these areas such as housing feeding clothing shelter and education.
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTOR MODEL:
Risk factors are the all measurable attributes that tend to reduce the effective and appropriate attainment of a family. On the other hand, protective factors describe all measurable potentials that can ensure the success and appropriate family achievement. Donahoo (2003), Ushie, Emeka, Ononga, and Owolabi (2012)opined many risk and protective factors exist which work together to influence a child’s academic success or poor school performance, rather than seeing single parenting as the sole predictor of academic failure for children. This model describes family structure as one of many risk factors that may cause negative outcomes for children`s academic achievement depending on the form of the family structure. Such factor could be attributes and experiences which negatively influence the children`s achievement. Protective factors are those factors which have positive influence on the offspring’s, thereby reducing possible effects of risk factors. Therefore, risk factors are the weaknesses and protective factors are the strengths of any given single parent family (Marsh, 1990). Factors such as personality which is an internal characteristic common to all children, the child’s intellectual ability and approach to learning, feelings, character, and sense of worth and urge management (Marsh, 1990) have been found to be possible attributes which could influence the academic ability of a child. Type of family and the associated attributes including parental mental illness and wellness, parenting mode, and traditions and family size have some impact on adolescent education (Donahoo, 2003). In the view of the present researcher, family structure could determine the positive or negative development of the learner’s educational achievement.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought to sociological examination of single parenthood.
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
(i)Primary source and
(ii)Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
Population of the study
Population of a study is a group of persons or aggregate items, things the researcher is interested in getting information on the study sociological examination of single parenthood. 200 residents in Makurdi, Benue state were selected randomly by the researcher as the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the sociological examination of single parenthood
In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of single parent.
Summary
This study was on sociological examination of single parenthood. Four objectives were raised which included; to identify the causes of single parenthood, to ascertain the effect of single parenthood on a child, to compare the attitude of a single parent child to that of a parents child, to ascertain the relationship between single parenthood and the psychological behavior of a child. In line with these objectives, four research hypotheses were formulated and four null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 residents in Makurdi, Benue state was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up single mothers, single fathers, teachers and university students were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that a strong positive relationship exists between single parenthood and the psychological behavior of a child. This is agreement with Barajas (2012) who found out that with some exceptions, children from single parent homes are more associated with lower high school graduation rates among others. Furthermore, single parenthood affects a child psychologically.
Recommendations
The following recommendations have been made based on the findings of the study:
- All parents should also be encouraged through the parents/teachers association meetings to create time for their children at home for home work activities. This is to ensure that the learners do their school assignments under the supervision of their parents, whether they are single or double parent families.
- The government should have some forum with single parents particularly at the Township levels for interactions and counseling sessions that would make single parents see themselves as having the same level of responsibilities towards their children just like the double parents. This kind of support will go a long way to help to closer to their children.
REFERENCES
- Andersson, G. (2002). Children’s experience of family disruption and family formation: Evidence from 16 FFS countries. Demographic Research, 7(7), 343-364.
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- Donkor, A.K. (2010). Parental Involvement in Education in Ghana: The Case of a Private Elementary School. International Journal about Parents in Education, 4(1), 23-38.
- British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 2, 167-178.
- Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). (2005). 2000 Population and Housing Census: Analysis of district data and implications for planning Upper West Region. Accra, Ghana: GSS.
- Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). (2012). 2010 Population and Housing Census-summary report of final results. Accra, Ghana: GSS.
- Hetherington, E., Camara, K., & Featherman, D. (1983). Achievement and intellectual functioning of children in one-parent households. In J. Spence. (Ed.), Achievement and achievement motives: Psychological and sociological approaches (pp. 205-284).
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