Gender differences in the reasons for participation in spouse sharing among the Okun in Nigeria.
This report examines the reasons for participation in spouse sharing among the Okun with a view to identifying some factors that may present particular obstacles to women and enhance their vulnerability to the practice. A total of 1029 sexually active respondents in 5 settlements where spouse sharing is being practiced participated in the questionnaire survey aspect of the study, while 82 respondents participated in the focus group discussions. About 65% of respondents reported having ale or alase and were involved in the practice of spouse sharing. Reasons for involvement in spouse sharing include the need for economic support, sexual satisfaction, increased social status, procreation, the problems of separation/divorce and widowhood. The focus group discussions revealed a possible exploitation of the gender-based economic weakness of the women by the men in the initiation and sustenance of the practice in the Okun communities. It is recommended that for any program to achieve a considerable reduction in the practice, differences in the reasons for participation in spouse sharing among the men and women must be documented with a view to solving those problems that compel women to participate.
Osagbemi
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MO
Department of Geography and Planning, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
Adepetu
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AA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D012737:Sex Factors; D018454:Spouses; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires