DIVORCE

This research project explores the moral implications of divorce in contemporary Nigerian society from a Kantian ethical framework. Divorce is a complex and contentious issue in Nigeria, where traditional values often clash with the evolving dynamics of modern life. Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics provide a valuable lens through which to analyze the moral dimensions of divorce, focusing on the principles of duty, autonomy, and universalizability. The study begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the historical, cultural, and legal context of divorce in Nigeria, shedding light on the traditional values that have influenced societal perceptions of divorce. It then delves into Kantian ethics, emphasizing the categorical imperative and the concept of treating individuals as ends in themselves rather than as means to an end. These philosophical foundations are used to critically assess the moral aspects of divorce, including the responsibilities of individuals, the impact on families and communities, and the ethical considerations of divorce.

Divorce for Hornby (2001) is the legal ending of a marriage. Mirror (2003) defined divorce as the complete break up or dissolution of marriage through legal means. Divorce is the only ceremony that marks the official end of marriage, just like a wedding ceremony marks the official beginning of the same marriage. Divorce is caused by so many things. Some of the common causes of marital problems or divorce as noted by Arowolo (2002) are, abuse, power tussle between couples, poor financial management, infidelity, infertility/childlessness, hot temper, influence of mother-in-law, influence of bad companies, influence of alcohol, improper use of language, impotence, poor communication between couples, early marriage, prolonged sickness, prolonged hardship and maltreatment. The phenomenon of divorce is receiving increasing attention as a stress-inducing factor or a life crisis that affects over two million adults and one million children world wide annually (Dohrenwend & Dohrenwend, 2004; Norton & Glick, 2003). Marriage breakdown presently appears to be on the increase. Available literature such as Nwoye (1999), Omeje (2000), Aroh (2001), Asogwa (2003), Mirror (2004) and researcher‟s observation from the Nigerian society indicate that marriage breakdown appears to be on the increase and it is becoming increasingly stressful on the part of the divorcees, their children and the society

Divorce, defined as the legal dissolution of marriage, represents the formal termination of a marital union, marking its official end just as a wedding ceremony signifies its beginning. The causes of divorce are multifaceted and include factors such as abuse, financial mismanagement, infidelity, infertility, poor communication, early marriage, prolonged hardship, substance abuse, external family influence, and other marital conflicts. As a significant life crisis, divorce has increasingly attracted global attention due to its psychological, social, and economic implications for couples, their children, and society at large. Available literature indicates that marriage breakdown is on the rise worldwide. Statistics from developed countries reveal steady increases in divorce rates over the past decades, with notable figures recorded in the United States, Australia, and Sweden. Although accurate statistical data in Nigeria remain limited due to the tendency to handle divorce matters privately outside formal legal systems, existing studies and societal observations suggest a growing incidence of marital dissolution. Factors contributing to this increase in Nigeria include economic pressures, changing family structures, post-war societal shifts, women’s increasing independence, and broader processes of social liberalization. Overall, divorce continues to pose significant emotional and social challenges, highlighting the need for deeper understanding and intervention strategies.