Sociological analysis of marriage failure among the Efik people of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Marriage remains a vital social institution among the Efik people of Cross River State. Yet, increasing cases of marital instability have raised concerns about family cohesion and social well-being. This study examined the social, economic, and cultural factors associated with marriage failure among the Efik people. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to 400 respondents selected through a multistage sampling procedure across five predominantly Efik Local Government Areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed that financial hardship, poor communication, infidelity, family interference, and domestic violence are major contributors to marriage failure. Chi-square results showed significant relationships between selected socio-demographic characteristics and perceptions of marriage failure, while logistic regression identified financial hardship as the strongest predictor of marital instability. The study also found that marriage failure adversely affects family cohesion, child socialization, and emotional well-being. The study concludes that marriage failure among the Efik people is driven by a complex interaction of economic pressures, interpersonal challenges, and cultural expectations. It recommends strengthened marital counselling programmes, economic empowerment initiatives, and community-based support mechanisms to promote marital stability.