Research Proposal on Polygamy and Violence Among Rural Dwellers: Its Prevalence and Implications on Family Development in South West Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study will be as follows:
- To determine the prevalence of polygamy among rural dwellers in South West Nigeria.
- To explore the potential relationship between polygamy and the occurrence of violence within polygamous households.
- To analyse the implications of polygamy and violence on family development in rural South West Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
Preamble
The opening of Chapter Two serves as a navigational guide, introducing the reader to the significance and arrangement of the literature review. Here, the purpose and structure of the review are succinctly outlined. This section establishes the framework for a thorough investigation into the extant literature pertinent to the study’s objectives, creating a foundation for deeper insights into the intricate dynamics of polygamy, violence, and family development within the context of rural South West Nigeria.
Conceptual Review
Polygamy as a Cultural Practice
Polygamy, a prevalent cultural practice across various societies, holds profound historical and social significance. In the South West Nigeria region, polygamy has deep roots within traditional norms and religious beliefs (Bove & Valeggia, 2019). This practice involves a man having multiple wives simultaneously, often influenced by economic, social, and gender dynamics (Fenske, 2021).
Studies by Behrman (2019) emphasize that polygamy is deeply embedded in the fabric of African societies, shaping family structures and gender roles. The cultural acceptance of polygamy is often tied to notions of prestige and honour, impacting individuals’ perceptions of familial identity (Jewkes et al., 2017). Moreover, polygamy plays a role in the distribution of resources within families, leading to complex intra-household dynamics (Baland & Ziparo, 2017).
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) encompasses a range of harmful behaviours within intimate relationships. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines IPV as physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse directed towards a current or former partner (García-Moreno & Amin, 2016). Research indicates that IPV is a global concern affecting both genders, with varying degrees of severity and manifestations (McCloskey et al., 2016).
IPV has been extensively studied in the context of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Studies by Ebrahim and Atteraya (2020) emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding, as cultural norms can shape perceptions of violence acceptance. Demographic and health surveys (DHS) have become vital tools for assessing IPV prevalence and patterns across multiple countries (Corsi et al., 2022).
Muluneh et al. (2020) conducted a systematic review highlighting the complex dimensions of IPV. These include physical, emotional, and economic abuse and coercive control. Such violence often emerges from power imbalances, impacting victims’ mental and physical health (Straus, 2019). It’s important to note that IPV within polygamous households might be influenced by factors specific to these arrangements (Jansen & Agadjanian, 2020).
Family Development and Dynamics
Family development encompasses the processes and changes that occur within families over time. Families are intricate systems where roles, interactions, and relationships evolve. In the South West Nigeria context, families often play a central role in cultural preservation and cohesion (Rossi, 2019).
Research by Abramsky et al. (2021) emphasizes the significance of family as a unit for understanding violence. Family dynamics can influence vulnerability to violence and the capacity for conflict resolution. The study by Akamike et al. (2019) underscores that family development can be shaped by cultural factors, such as polygamy and traditional gender roles.
Family systems theory, as discussed by Jansen and Agadjarian (2016), provides a framework for analyzing family dynamics and the impact of various factors, including cultural practices, on family members. This theory highlights the interdependence of family members and how changes in one area of the family system can impact the whole (Smith-Greenaway & Trinitapoli, 2020).
CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
Research Design
The research design will be fundamental to the study as it sets the foundation for data collection and analysis. In this study, a quantitative survey research design was adopted. This design will be appropriate for investigating the prevalence of polygamy, the incidence of violence within polygamous households, and their potential implications for family development (Anderson et al., 2020). A survey will allow for the collection of structured data from a large number of respondents, providing a broad understanding of the research phenomenon (Saunders et al., 2019). It will be suitable for quantifying relationships and patterns within the study’s variables.
The use of a quantitative survey design will be justified by the need to gather data from a relatively large sample size efficiently. Given the scope of the research and the complexity of the variables under investigation, a survey will provide a systematic approach to collecting data that could be analyzed using statistical methods (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). This design will enable the researcher to draw generalizable conclusions about the relationship between polygamy, violence, and family development in the South West Nigeria region.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study will comprise individuals residing in the South West Nigeria region. Specifically, the study will focus on adults aged 18 and above who are currently or had previously been in polygamous households. The justification for this population will be based on the research’s objectives, which sought to understand the experiences and perceptions of individuals within polygamous families about violence and family development.
Considering the cultural prevalence of polygamy in the South West Nigeria region, the target population will be substantial, making it feasible to gather a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. While it may have been challenging to capture the entire population, the study will aim to select a representative sample that could provide valuable insights into the research questions (Anderson et al., 2020).
References
- Abramsky, T., Watts, C. H., Garcia-Moreno, C., Devries, K., Kiss, L., Ellsberg, M., … & Heise, L. (2021). What factors are associated with recent intimate partner violence? Findings from the WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence. BMC Public Health, 11(1), 109.
- Ahinkorah, B. O., Dickson, K. S., & Seidu, A. A. (2018). Women’s decision-making capacity and intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Archives of Public Health, 76(1), 5.
- Akamike, I. C., Eze, N. C., Akamike, G. O., & Ugwuegbulam, C. N. (2019). Intimate partner violence among women in sub-Saharan Africa: Does household structure matter? PLoS One, 14(10), e0223687.
- Amo-Adjei, J., & Tuoyire, D. A. (2016). Women’s use of negotiation in decision-making for healthcare in households in rural Ghana. International Journal for Equity in Health, 15(1), 125.
- Anderson, J. C., Gerbing, D. W., & Hunter, S. (2020). On the assessment of unidimensional measurement: Internal and external validity considerations. Journal of Consumer Research, 29(4), 499-515.
- Anjorin, T. S., Raji, T. A., & Salau, T. A. (2020). Polygyny and food security: Evidence from rural Nigeria. Journal of Rural Studies, 79, 88-95.
