Project Abstract

Abstract
Single parenthood is a prevalent family structure that has garnered significant attention in the field of sociology due to its implications on individuals and society as a whole. This research project aims to conduct a sociological examination of single parenthood in Makurdi Local Government Area, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by single parents in the region. The study will employ a qualitative research design, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to gather data from single parents living in Makurdi. The research will delve into various aspects of single parenthood, including the reasons for single parenthood, the impact on children's well-being, economic challenges faced by single parents, social support systems available to them, and the stigmatization associated with single parenthood in the community. By exploring these different dimensions, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of single parents in Makurdi and the broader implications for social policy and support systems. The findings of this research project are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on single parenthood and its sociological implications. By shedding light on the challenges faced by single parents in Makurdi, the study will inform policymakers, social workers, and other relevant stakeholders about the specific needs of this population. Furthermore, the research aims to raise awareness about the stigmatization of single parenthood and advocate for greater support and resources for single parents in the region. Overall, this research project seeks to highlight the complexities of single parenthood in Makurdi Local Government Area and provide insights that can inform interventions and support systems to improve the well-being of single parents and their children. By focusing on the sociological aspects of single parenthood, this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of family dynamics in the region and pave the way for more targeted and effective social policies and programs to support single-parent families.

Project Overview

The study explores on the sociological examination of single parenthood in Makurdi local government area of Benue State with the following specific set objectives: to ascertain the causes of single parenthood, to find out the effect of single parenthood and to proffer possible solutions to the problem of single parenthood. The study adopted the functionalist theory as the theoretical framework for this study adopted the descriptive method and made use of the questionnaire and semi-structured interview as methods of data collected. On the causes of single parenthood in Makurdi local government area, the study reveals that, divorce is the cause of single parenthood. On the effects of single parenthood in Makurdi local government area, the study reveals that, parenthood affects children education. Also, on the possible solutions to the problem of single parenthood, the study findings suggest that, orientation and parental counseling as ways of solving the problem of single parenthood. Base on the research findings, the study concludes that, the family lays the psychosocial, moral and spiritual foundations in the overall development of the child. Thus, parenthood is a responsibility requiring the full cooperation of both parents who must ensure the total development of their children. This analysis becomes necessary because life in a single parent family can be stressful for both the child and the parent. Furthermore, the study recommends that, there should be enforcement of child right act and relevant laws to protect children from single parent homes and help them develop better. Also, financial and moral support to children from single parenthoods can help solve the hardship children from poor single parent homes face as some of their needs can be sorted out which will help solve the problems that will hinder their development in the society. Also, scholarship should be granted by the government to children from single parent homes in order to give them the basic education that is distorted as a result of parental separation and enhancetheir development.