THE EFFECTS OF BROKEN HOMES IN NIGERIA: A SOCIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF KUMBOTSO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

This study examined the effects of broken homes in Nigeria, with a sociological assessment of Kumbotso Local Government Area. The research sought to identify the factors contributing to broken homes, assess their impact on children’s emotional well-being, examine the consequences for parents and society, and explore the economic and social challenges faced by single parents, particularly women. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data: 100 questionnaires were administered to households, and 7 in-depth interviews were conducted with affected parents, community leaders, religious leaders, Hisbah officials and Divorcee. The findings revealed that financial instability, domestic conflicts, and infidelity were the primary factors leading to broken homes. Children from such homes exhibited emotional distress, including anxiety, poor academic performance, and social withdrawal. Parents, especially women, faced significant economic hardships, increased caregiving burdens, and social stigmatization. At the societal level, broken homes contributed to rising cases of juvenile delinquency and strained community support systems. The study concluded that broken homes have far-reaching implications on individuals and society, necessitating policy interventions such as establishing single parent economic empowerment hubs, launch'safe family centers'in each ward, anti stigma campaign led by religious leaders, strengthening child support empowerment and youth rehabilitation and mentorship to mitigate these effects.