For better or worse: a phenomenological study of the meaning of marriage amongst Nigerian women in monogamous marriages

The research titled – a phenomenological study on the meaning of marriage among Nigerian women in monogamous marriages sought to ask how Nigerian women make sense of their marriages, and how their marriages affect them taking into consideration their four worlds.

Eight participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as the primary methodology, and Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) was adopted as a tool in filtering the analysis, looking at their narratives through their lived personal, physical, social and spiritual world.

Four themes and nine sub themes were generated from this research; they are: Loss of freedom with sub themes marriage as slavery and being owned, second theme is the reality of marriage with benefits in title, and shame as subthemes, the third theme is sociocultural dimension with family within culture, role of religion and meaning over time. The last theme is the self with being for self and identity and being independent as subthemes.

The findings in this study are in line with some of the existing research and literature; it was found that women struggle with the cultural and familial expectations of the society. It was also found that women who see themselves as individuals with responsibilities that go beyond being a wife see marriage as more meaningful. Financial independence stands out as a theme that women relate strongly to in that, it serves as a means through which a better sense of self is achieved, respect is earned, and more meaning is made.

The strengths and weaknesses of this research are highlighted, implication on the field of counselling psychology and psychotherapy as well as recommendations for future research are proffered.