Rural-Urban Differentials in Sex Preference as a Predictor of Marital Dissolution in Nigeria

Clifford O. Odimegwu, University of the Witwatersrand
Chukwuedozie K. Ajaero, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

This study examines the influence of place of residence on sex preference as a predictor of marital dissolution in Nigeria. Data were from the 2008 and 2013 demographic and health surveys of Nigeria. Stratified by rural-urban place of residence, analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square test and logistic regression. Marital dissolution occurred more in urban areas. While more respondents reported preference for boys was more in 2008, more respondents reported no child preference in 2013. In 2008, preference for males significantly increased odds of marital dissolution in rural and urban areas while in 2013, preference for females increased odds of marital dissolution in urban and rural areas. Other significant predictors of marital dissolution included educational attainment, intimate partner violence, religion, polygamous unions, and region of residence. It is recommended that women achieve higher levels of education while anti-dissolution enlightenment programmes should be initiated, especially in urban areas