Title: Perceptions of family heads on the spatial trends of delayed marriage in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Ejeh Benedict Aduke Olufunmilayo Bello Muhammad Fatima Alamai
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 486-495
Publication Date: 2025/03/28
Abstract:
The phenomenon of delayed marriage has gained prominence in recent decades, influencing demographic and socio-economic structures globally. This study examines the perceptions of family heads regarding the spatial patterns of delayed marriage in Benue State, Nigeria. Employing a multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 386 family heads across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) through structured questionnaires. Findings reveal that delayed marriage is more prevalent in urban centers like Gboko and Otukpo compared to rural areas such as Kwande, Tarka, and Logo, where traditional early marriage practices persist. Economic factors, career aspirations, and educational attainment are key drivers of delayed marriage. The study highlights a growing awareness of the trend and its implications for fertility rates, family structures, and socio-economic stability. Rational Choice Theory provides a framework for understanding these decisions, emphasizing financial stability as a determinant of marriage timing. The study recommends policy interventions to balance economic growth with social structures to mitigate the negative consequences of delayed marriage