IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION ON MARRIAGES IN IKEJA METROPOLIS, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

  Marriage is said to be a socially accepted and approved union between two individuals based on the premise of establishing a family – an ultimate unit of the human society. However, Studies have revealed that this fundamental institution has been undergoing severe challenges all over the world in recent times; with devastating effects on societies. This study investigates the impact of communication on marriages in Ikeja metropolis (Lagos State, Nigeria). Using stratified random sampling technique, questionnaire was used to collect needed data from 104 respondents (41 males and 63 females). Descriptive statistics (frequency count, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (Chi-Square and Pearson Product Movement Correlation - PPMC) were used to analyze the quantitative data. Findings revealed that there was a positive correlation between limitations (r = 0.59057, p>0.005) and the emotions couples attached to communication. In addition, the Chi-square statistical analysis showed that there were significant association between age (χ2=54.88, p<0.05), family background (χ2=12.58, p<0.05), religion (χ2=4.323, p<0.05) and couples’ communication cum emotional attachment. This implies that the variation in the age of respondents, family background (monogamy or polygamy) and their religious affiliation affected how the couples communicate. Majority of the respondents established some deficiencies that affected the communication process. The study recommended that communication education should be given to couples and intending couples before, during and after marriage,