The Effect of Polygamy on the Academic Performance of Pupils
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study find out the effect of polygamy on pupils’ academic performance using Ugelle primary school as an east study.
This study also aim to bring out the following
(1) the relationship between family size and pupils academic performance
(2) the effect polygamous home have on child behavior
(3) the study also point out how parent role and discipline affect a child academic performance
(4) The objective of this study is also to spotlight or compare a child from single-parent and polygamous home in respect to academic performance.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
Precisely, the chapter will be considered in three sub-headings:
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Concept Of Polygamy
Polygamy has been a prominent feature in most communities worldwide. It is deeply rooted in the early lifestyles of our ancestors. Over the years, polygamy has become the subject of numerous books, journal articles, heated debates, discussion papers,a theme for women activist groups, web pages, and even cable television shows. Consequently, many contrasting policies in different communities have been adopted in relation to polygamy. Polygamy is the practice of having more than one wife or husband at a given time. A study conducted by Berkowitz (2007) notes that about eighty-three percent of human societies permit polygamy. Although the worldwide percentage of men with more than one wife is relatively minuscule, as many as a third of the world’s population belongs to a community that allows it. If one were to consider the patriarchal characteristic of many societies around the world, it is safe to conclude that there is a potential for the unequal and discriminative treatment of wives by their husbands in polygamous marriages. With this in mind, there is an urgent need to address such treatment of women in polygamous marriages, regardless of their social, cultural, religious and also economic background. There are some cases where wives in polygamous marriages have suffered. In a study conducted by Nurrohmah (2003) it was found that, of the nine women in polygamous marriages, all had experienced psychological abuse; five of them suffered physical, economic and sexual abuse. However, it would also be a mistake to believe that all polygamous marriages are abusive. These opinions were frequently rationalised by feelings that polygamy creates inequality amongst co-wives since the husband cannot care for and cater to the needs of more than one wife, and that polygamy gives men “boundless power and authority” (Dangor 2001). Where co-existence amongst the families seems to be flourishing,relationships between co-wives have been found to be especially beneficial to women’s economic and political power(Yanca & Low 2003). While women might initially feel uncomfortable and envious when a new woman enters the household, these sentiments usually fade away to ensure harmonious relationships and the equal treatment of the wives. In a study conducted by Rehman (2011), a small proportion of women indicated that they would agree to enter into polygamous marriages if given such an option. Many women living in polygamy support plural marriage and appear to find happiness and satisfaction within their family structures (D’Amour & Carmichael 2004). Some women even encourage their husbands to marry additional wives (Chambers 1997, p. 73-74). Certain anecdotes reveal genuine love and companionship among polygamous spouses and within their entire family unit, leaving us to question whether polygamy is intrinsically damaging to the spousal relationship (Palmer & Perrin 2004; Solomon 2003). Children, however, can be adversely affected by polygamous marriages. The rivalry between the co- wives more often than not prove damaging to the children in polygamous families. In addition, the thoughts and beliefs children encounter are controlled, allowing them only to learn polygamist beliefs, thus “blinding children from the existence of life outside polygamy” (Ward 2004, p. 149). Such children tend to believe that the polygamous lifestyle is the only way out and hence they often end up attached to a polygamous life style. Children attached to polygamous lifestyle view polygamy as the only key that can only lead them to the happiness that they aspire to have in life. Christian polygamists, claiming to come from conservative churches, quote Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and cite Biblical patriarchs to support their understanding of polygamy as something scriptural Shipps (1987) depicts Mormonism as the fourth great Abrahamic tradition, standing in relation to contemporary Christianity just as early Christianity once did to Judaism. Sullivan (2007) and Gordon (2001) illustrate the centrality of federal efforts to eradicate Mormon polygamy by defining the nature and limits of what is officially, legally, and constitutionally legitimate religious practice in the US.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried out on the effect of polygamy on the academic performance of pupils, using Aghogho Primary School Ughelli North local government area Delta state as a case study. Pupils of Aghogho school form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only eighty (80) were returned and validated. For this study a total of 80 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
SUMMARY
In this study, our focus was on the effect of polygamy on the academic performance of pupils using Aghogho Primary School Ughelli north local government area Delta state, as a case study. The study specifically was aimed at highlighting the relationship between family size and pupils academic performance, the effect polygamous home have on child behaviour, the study also point out how parent role and discipline affect a child academic performance and the objective of this study is also to spotlight or compare a child from single-parent and polygamous home in respect to academic performance. A total of 80 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are drawn from pupils of Aghogho Primary School .
CONCLUSION
Based on the finding of this study, the following conclusions were made:
- The income of parent affect the academic performance of pupils.
- The number of wives in a home affect the academic performance of pupils.
- Polygamous homes affect the pupil’s academic performance in school.
- The parental care and affection affect the academic performance of pupils.
- The provision of essential needs by the parents affects the academic performance of pupils.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the responses obtained, the researcher proffers the following recommendations:
- Teachers should have adequate knowledge of the background of the child in the child studyso as to counsel them when need arise as knowing the child fully helps the teacher create a rapport with that child that will make him or her to focus and have interest in his! her school work.
- Qualified counselors and psychological services to be found in schools so as to assistchildren immediately.
- Consultation should be made compulsory for all parents. The ministry of education should make it compulsory thatevery parent attends consultation so that the teacher and the parent work together in helping the child academically.
REFERENCES
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