CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Some years ago, the issue an high rate of divorce among married couples in the society is more rampant. And it has become the topic of the dry, in every corner of the society such as in the church, market home and social gathering. Before we proceed, we will first of all define the words socio-cultural and divorce.

Socio-cultural is the culture of a particular society or group, and it belief etc. while Divorce means legal end of a marriage according to Horriby (1974), divorce is defined as the legal ending of a marriage so that husband and wife are free to marry-again, it is also the breaking up of marriage. Divorce can also be described as the dissolution or abrogation of marriage. When a marriage is dissolved, both parties shall be free from obligations and bond of marriage. They could remarry elsewhere or live any type of life they may choose. A family which is just like a factory where human beings are produced is in danger especially if there is divorce.

This will enable one to understand that married couples can divorce, but the effects it attracts will be disastrous. Therefore, one has to be more careful and know how to protect their marriage by being conscious of the statement of the creator which says “what God has joined together let no man put asunder”.

Commentaries on the issue on grounds for divorce. Each party to the marriage can seek divorce in a state marriage, in the grounds of adultery, desertion, cruelty, insanity, rape and Sodamy. Each of the above is a serious matrimonial offence which may lead to divorce according to the marriage ordinance of Nigeria. Divorce can be sought for reasons sterility or bareness on the part of the wife or husband if their blood is incompatible there may be divorce.

In the opinion of Onwuka (1991) some marriage collapses due to unfaithfulness promiscuity or sex explosion, suspicion and lack of trust.

It is in view of the above points that we in particular denied it wise to carry a research work on the socio-cultural effects on the divorce among educated couples.