A Sociological Analysis of Domestic Violence and Socio-Economic Development in Kogi State, Nigeria
Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka, Leke Jefrey Orseer
Keywords: Domestic violence, gender, women, income, social inequailities
Abstract
In Africa, women do experience various forms of social injustices and domestic violence appears dominant. Regrettably, the menance of domestic violence against women in Nigeria had not been given much attention. Thus, this study provides a sociological explanation to the relationship between domestic violence and socio-economic development in Kogi State, Nigeria. This study involves primary data wherein a sample of 418 married men and women were randomly selected as respondents who responded to a structured questionnaire; and 20 persons were interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings of the study showed that majority (92.8%) of respondents have in one way or the other experienced one form of domestic violence. Again, about (70.2%) of the respondents indicated that belief in patriarchy, lack of finance, influence of childhood abuse, forced sex and hot temper contribute greatly to the incidence of domestic violence against women in Kogi State, Nigeria. Consequently, the impacts of domestic violence on women’s socio-economic development in Kogi State manifest in decreased productivity, loss of source of income, and poor physical and mental status. The study concludes that the lack of effective gender policies and corruption on the parts of law enforcement officers in Kogi State form the basis for persistent domestic violence in Kogi State. Thus, the study recommends that more efforts should be made by the Kogi State Government and non-governmental organizations in the state to strengthen laws and protection against domestic violence in the Kogi State.
Author Biography
Dangana-Onuche Gloria Ojonoka
Sociology Department,
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Leke Jefrey Orseer
Sociology Department,
Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State