Exploratory analysis of the demographic and socio-economic factors influencing divorce rates in Benue state, Nigeria

Mary Otanwa Ubi, Andrew Egba Ubogu, Olanrewaju Yusuf Yahaya

Abstract


This exploratory study investigates demographic and socio-economic factors influencing divorce rates in Benue State, Nigeria, amid rising marital dissolution despite strong cultural and religious marriage traditions. Data were collected via structured questionnaires from 400 divorced individuals in three purposively selected Local Government Areas (Makurdi, Otukpo, Kwande), representing the state's senatorial zones. Snowball and purposive sampling targeted those with direct divorce experience. Key variables such as age at first marriage, income, education, and occupation were analyzed against marriage duration using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings indicate trends such as elevated divorce rates among those marrying at ages 25–34 (31.5%; marriages lasting 1–5 years) and low earners below the national minimum wage (31.3%; marriages lasting 6–10 years). Only occupation showed a significant association with marital duration (p<0.05), with 41.0% of cases highlighting its role in reflecting economic capacity and social status. Results underscore occupation's pivotal influence on marital stability, beyond other factors. The study recommends targeted policies addressing employment and income disparities to enhance marital outcomes.

 

Keywords: Benue State, demographic factors, divorce, marriage, socio-economic factors, trend


Keywords


Keywords: Benue State, Demographic factors, Divorce, Marriage, Socio-economic factors, Trend.

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References


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