Early Marriage and Its Implications on the Nigerian Economy

31 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2014

See all articles by Babatunde Afolabi

Babatunde Afolabi

Department of Finance, Federal University Oye Ekiti

S. Matthew Abatan

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Federal University Oye-Ekiti - Department of Demography and Social Stastistics

Date Written: November 19, 2014

Abstract

The study investigated early marriage and its implications on the Nigerian economy. Three research questions were used and the Chi- square analytic technique was adopted. The research makes use of secondary data from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2008). Current marital status is among the most important determinant used. While other variables used are respondent working status, total children ever born, types of occupation, and age at first birth. The results showed that most of the respondents that experienced early marriage are not working, and this has economic defect on the respondents and the nations economy, because most of them have little or no educational background. It is quite evident at p-value < 5% level of significance and Chi-square test value=13.5643, p=0.009, since they are being exposed to parenthood at their tender age hence they have no chance to work. The study therefore recommends amongst other things that there is the urgent need to confront the traditions that surround and support early marriage, by mounting a massive campaign and education of the youth, parents and community members about the negative effects of early marriage.

Keywords: early marriage, girl child, Nigeria and economy

Suggested Citation

Afolabi, Babatunde and Abatan, S. Matthew and Abatan, S. Matthew, Early Marriage and Its Implications on the Nigerian Economy (November 19, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2528255 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2528255

Babatunde Afolabi (Contact Author)

Department of Finance, Federal University Oye Ekiti ( email )

Oye Ekiti
Nigeria
+234 8035 029 400 (Phone)

S. Matthew Abatan

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti ( email )

DEMOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
Oye Ekiti, 371104
Nigeria
+234(0)8066066473 (Phone)

Federal University Oye-Ekiti - Department of Demography and Social Stastistics ( email )

DEMOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
Oye Ekiti, 371104
Nigeria
+234(0)8066066473 (Phone)

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