SINGLE PARENTING AS CORRELATE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE

SINGLE PARENTING AS CORRELATE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE (GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Marriage is a social approved union between a man and a woman. This institution is permanent and ordained by God for the good of mankind and as such, sacred. Traditionally, everyone who is considered normal and of age is expected to marry in the traditional Nigerian society. In the good old days, marriage was respected and adored because of the cultural and moral values associated with it. It was seen as a uniting link on the rhythm of life. The building up of a family is a thing of joy and of supreme purpose. At that time, parents gave out their daughters to suitors of their choice.

At present, the perceptions about the nature and purpose of marriage have changed. Research show that there is a shift from supportive marriage partners to spouse who primarily expect personal fulfilment often at the expense of their mate such as desire for love, intimacy, fidelity, children and mutual fulfilment have weakened the long standing religious institution and social traditions which contributed to marriage stability can no longer stop the rising tide of societal acceptance of divorce.

Obviously, the threads that holds marriage are falling apart. Several developments have accelerated the transformation of marriage in many lands. First the traditional roles of the males as breadwinner and the female as homemaker have changed with the entry of women into the world of works and becoming more successful than their spouse in some cases.

Secondly, cohabitation as a replacement for marriage is growing. This situation where a man and a woman who are not married either by tradition or under the law, living together. Thirdly, child bearing outside marriage is increasingly accepted by the society, teaching to more single-parent families.

SINGLE PARENTING AS CORRELATE OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN WARRI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE (GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)