CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Marriage is an institution established by God in the beginning of the world (Gen. 1 vs 27) marriage is an agreement between two people normally of opposite sex to live, work, bear, and bring up children together throughout their life time. (Gen 2 vs 24) marriage demands maturity so that partners can best develop their full sense of togetherness, belonging, responsibility and interdependence. (Matt. 19 vs 5-6, Matt 10 vs 7-9).
The extended family household as a cultural idea has been distinguished in the majority of documented human history in order words the extended family is also known as consequent family (polygamous family). This means whereby one man can marry as many wives as he can cater for e.g. Muslim religion. The problem of extended family ties spread both risks and benefits. Extended family groups often form corporations of individuals who function in concert as a single social and economic unit.
This study is therefore designed to examine people’s attitudes towards the problems of the extended family in Nigeria.