THE IMPACT OF AGE AT MARRIAGE AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Marriage is a social contract between two people of opposite genders. The individuals in question are not only physiologically mature, but have also been traditionally recognised by their immediate surroundings as being qualified for holy matrimony (OKoro, 1981). Accordingly, marriage implies the reservation of people amid certain age bracket. Though they must have demonstrated a high level of maturity. Marriage is a social contract that requires both parties’ endurance and tolerance.
Some regions have forgotten the aforementioned idea of marriage, which exposes teenagers to early marriage. Child or adolescent marriage is a term for early marriage. A child is not truly capable of handling any significant responsibility until he becomes 18. Early marriage describes the uniting of one or both people of the opposing sex as husband and wife before they have fully developed physically and psychologically (Eleonu, 1984).
A process of influencing the young and inexperienced so that they may become deserving human beings and citizens, education is defined as all of man’s activities that help him to realise himself and live completely as a human being (Onwuka, 1975). Fundamentally, education is the act of integrating a person into their environment in a way that allows them to grow in all areas—physical, mental, emotional, and volitional—for the benefit of everyone. According to the definition, education is a way to a happy marriage.
Girls who are passionate about learning are more likely to stay in school. Yet they jettison marriage, and delay having children. These crucial actions increase the likelihood that they will grow up to be informed, responsible citizens.
Early marriage has deprived millions of women of the possibility for educational development and self-realization in all fields of human endeavour. Many of them have little or no vocation in any field of human endeavour. Many of them, with little or no vocational training, are forced to work in low-wage jobs in order to support their families’ income. Worse, the children of such mothers end up marrying young and with little education, just like their mothers.
Furthermore, many of these newlywed mothers and their children appear wasted, malnourished, and older than their age as a result of the trauma they encountered while coping with marital problems due to a lack of education. Many of their children are undernourished and easily afflicted.
Marriage is unintended for adolescents or children as union of a man and a woman. It is an institution that will exist for as long as the world does; it does not need rushing into it. Obiageli (1989) believes it necessitates a thorough examination and re-examination. Marriage, on the other hand, is God’s first human institution, with direct responsibility for replenishing the world. It entails shared responsibility between adults of the opposing gender characterised in love and care for one another. However, due to the prevalence of young marriage, some families and marriages are currently going through their most difficult time.
Tension, worries, arguments, fights, concerns, unease, and chaos have taken over the world. With these things leading to high blood pressure and early death. This marriage situation totally attributes to low levels of education, circumstances related to orphanages. Subsequently with a high proportion of female offspring, unintended or accidental pregnancies, a desire to experience the honour connected to matrimony as well as the cultural heritage bestowed onto married individuals.
The risk of maternal death is substantially higher than average when a young mother gives birth. Accordingly, the morbidity and mortality rates for her offspring are also higher. In all parts of the world, early childbearing remains a barrier to advancements in women’s statuses in education, the economy, and society.
In general, early marriage and motherhood can significantly limit educational and employment options for young women and are likely to have a negative long-term impact on their quality of life and the lives of their children. Despite all chances, a good marriage requires both mental and physical maturity. According to anatomy, bones continue to grow until they halt between the ages of 18 and 20. The legal age for marriage consent sets at 18 years old by international accords. Mental and physical maturity are insufficient before this age. Therefore, a young person who marries before this age undoubtedly lacks the resources necessary for a happy marriage. (THE IMPACT OF AGE AT MARRIAGE AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL)
Notwithstanding the the desire of most teenagers in many cultures these days to make significant progress in their chosen fields and lead self-sufficient lives, marriage and a settled home with a living partner and children take precedence. However, due to the problems associated with early marriage and a low level of education, most of these dreams have turned out to be a mirage. Perhaps, since the beginning of time, the belief constitutes a woman is created solely for marriage and child rearing, thus ignoring education. However, the majority of cultures have decided that it is best for girls to assume this position as soon as possible because it is the reason for their creation.
Early marriage and a lack of education cause people to start having sex very young. This can really have a negative impact on a girl’s physical and psychological well-being. Accordingly, it has become absolutely necessary to pass legislation to protect the lives and health of our young girls.
To ensure that possibly prevented things do not happen. But it is likely appropriate to prevent marriage and starting a family until after the woman becomes 20, emotionally and physically mature to protect the health and wellbeing of the mother and kid. It also, in turn, would reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Subsequently with slow population growth, and contribute to overall family quality improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Women’s status varies due to their physiological and psychological peculiarities, as well as their cultural and familial roles. Their mental health is more vulnerable. And this can result in gender-specific disorders such as puerperal psychosis and menopausal complications due to hormonal imbalances.
The researcher wonders if some variables related to women have any link in their mental health. Well, this is based on their fluctuating mental health. Personality, age at marriage, level of education, locality, socioeconomic status, and other factors are all inherent in the world of women.
Purpose of the Study
The current study’s goal is to see if there is a link between early marriage and a woman’s educational level and her anxiety levels.
The researcher specifically examined whether there is a link between:
Marriage age and women’s level of anxiety
Women’s educational attainment and anxiety levels
Definition of Terms
Early marriage: A union where the female party is younger than the legal marriageable age of 18. In which is already established.
Educational Level: The quantity and calibre of training a person has received. Here, a low educational level describes having little to no education beyond the SSCE. While a high educational level means having attained sufficient education at the B.Sc. or HND level and higher.
Using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, we can assess anxiety. Which is a feeling of dread, apprehension, or fear that is frequently accompanied by a heightened heart rate, perspiration . Accordingly, muscle tightness, and rapid breathing are among
Women: Wives or mature females of the human race. The study selected people involved in early marriage and late marriage.
THE IMPACT OF AGE AT MARRIAGE AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
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