WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

AN EXAMINATION OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED

MARRIAGE AMONG YOUTH IN TARAUNI L.G.A., KANO STATE

ISAH KHAMISU MADACHI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO
[email protected]

KEYWORDS ABSTRACT
Delayed marriage, In the wake of globalization, technological advancements, and
youth, Tarauni L.G.A., large-scale social change worldwide, youth attitudes and opinions
qualitative research, on marriage have undergone transformations due to the
education, stigma multidimensional development of human society, including
educational and economic changes. The phenomenon of delayed
marriage has become increasingly prevalent among youth in
contemporary Nigeria, posing substantial social, cultural, and
economic implications. This pressing issue of social concern
affects thousands, if not millions, of individuals. In Nigeria,
individuals who experience delayed marriage often face ridicule,
mockery and individual stigma from relatives and peers. This
study investigated the factors contributing to delayed marriage
among youth in Tarauni L.G.A., Kano, Nigeria. It explored socio-
economic factors, consequences, perceptions surrounding delayed
marriage, and potential strategies to reduce its occurrence in the
area. The researcher adopted a qualitative research design and
employed purposive sampling, selecting eight respondents for in-
depth interviews. Thematic summary was used to analyze the data,
describing, summarizing, and interpreting it based on the research
objectives. The results revealed that various factors contribute to
delayed marriage among youth in Tarauni L.G.A., including
joblessness, educational pursuits, personal preference and
choosiness, particularly among women. This research provides
valuable insights into the phenomenon of delayed marriage among
youth in Tarauni L.G.A., Kano State. The study confirms the
prevalence of delayed marriage, high awareness among the
population, and offers a comprehensive understanding of its
contributing factors, effects, and potential mitigation strategies.

154
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

Introduction region of the world. He further added that in

many developed countries, more than 50% of
marriages now take place after the age of 30.
Marriage is as old as human society. The
evolution of human society is characterized by
the development and diffusion of institutions Globally, individuals who experience delayed
that facilitate societal survival. Marriage, a marriage are frequently subjected to ridicule and
paramount institution, regulates conjugal and stigma from their social cycle which lead to social
filial ties, thereby contributing to the ostracism and labeling as objects of shame. This
preservation and continuation of societal phenomenon especially affects women, who
structures (Wimalasena, 2016; Okunlola et al., face intensified societal pressure and scrutiny. As
2023). Marriage is a socially and legally noted by Chen and Tong (2021), these social
sanctioned institution, defined by the voluntary consequences can have profound psychological
union of two individuals of opposite sexes, with effects, including diminished self-esteem, life
the intention of forming a lifelong partnership, dissatisfaction, reduced fulfillment, and
building a family, and maintaining depression among unmarried adult men.
exclusivity(Asien et at, 2020). For the purposes Furthermore, parental distress and depression
of this research, delayed marriage refers to may also arise among parents who eagerly
individuals who have not entered into a legally anticipate their children’s marriage. These
recognized marital union by a certain age or findings show the pervasive and deleterious
stage of life that is considered typical or impacts of societal expectations surrounding
expected within the cultural and social context marriage with regard to delayed marriage.
of Tarauni L.G.A. In traditional Nigerian society, Nevertheless, according to the results of a study
adult males are socialized to prioritize marriage conducted by Brian et al. (2015), despite all the
as a demonstration of masculine identity and transformations that marriage may go through
responsibility, which is actualized through the and in spite of all changing of attitudes towards
roles of husband, father, and household head marriage, marriage remains an important role
(Smith, 2020; Adebowale, 2018). Similarly, for many young adults.
young individuals in Tarauni Local Government
Area are also expected to adhere to these Problem Statement
cultural norms and expectations.
The phenomenon of delayed marriage has
Moreover, in the wake of globalization, become increasingly prevalent among youth in
technological advancement and large-scale contemporary Nigeria, posing significant social,
social change across the world, attitudes and cultural, and economic implications. This
opinions of youth regarding marriage have significant issue of social concern affects
tremendously changed due to multidimensional thousands if not millions of individuals.
development of human society including Unmarried individuals in northern Nigeria, for
educational and economic changes. Delayed instance, are often subjected to direct and
marriage becomes a serious issue because those indirect emotional and psychological abuse via
who delay marriage while their peers have societal pressure. Unfortunately, such
already settled down and started families are insensitive and outrightly cruel behavior are
often ridiculed, bullied, and labeled as subjects more likely to push them into developing
of social shame. In extreme cases, individuals emotional problems such as depression and
especially in Africa and Asia are even forced into anxiety. Thus, they suffer a lot of misery and
marriage against their will, leading to endure feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem
unfortunate events. This issue concerns not only and hostility – for situations that are more often
the individuals involved but also the society as a than not, completely outside their control
whole. It is against this backdrop that this study (Abdulmalik, 2023).Thus, delaying marriage
seeks to investigate the factors associated with sparks a lot of situations where individuals may
Delayed marriage among youth and also the experience unequal treatment. For example, in
negative effects it has on their well-being. The religion affairs, political affairs, or community
family institution is critical in human society, and leadership, an unmarried person is rarely seen as
any dysfunction within it translates to a serious a leader. The assumption is that when a person
problem that affects all other institutions. In is married, they have assumed certain
recent years, the average age at which people responsibilities and are more psychologically and
get married has been steadily rising across the mentally stable. In line with this, Akpan (2022)
globe. Carroll (2017) notes that this trend is observes that increasing belief that unmarried
observed for both men and women in every individuals are less deserving of being

155
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

considered responsible just because of their used in psychological studies when researchers
marital status is both concerning and gaining found it tedious to evaluate human behavior in
credibility. This is in addition to the mockery and numbers. The population of this study typically
ridicule that single adult experience, either included youth in Tarauni Local Government
playfully with their peers or other community Area (L.G.A.) in Kano State, who are eligible for
members. marriage or within the age range that is
commonly associated with marriage but were
Significance of the Study not married, community leaders and religious
leaders. Moreover, this study used purposive
sampling which, according to Creswell &
The study will contribute to the existing body Creswell (2017) is vital in social research due to
of knowledge on the factors influencing delayed its focus on selecting specific participants who
marriage, providing a deeper understanding and possess unique insights or experiences relevant
shedding more light on unique factors that may to the study’s objectives. Using this sampling
be at play. The findings of the study will also technique, 8 respondents were selected for
inform policymakers and local authorities in interview from whom the qualitative data was
Tarauni Local Government about the factors collected. The primary data for this study was
contributing to delayed marriage. This can help collected using In-depth interview. The data was
in the development of targeted interventions analyzed using thematic summary by describing,
and policies to address these factors. The summarizing and interpreting the data based on
findings of this study will serve as a foundation the research objectives.
for future research on related topics, such as the
consequences of delayed marriage, the impact
of delayed marriage on gender dynamics and Literature Review
equality, and interventions to support
individuals in making informed decisions about Although delayed marriage is a phenomenon
marriage timing. that has received relatively little attention from
researchers, there is a body of existing literature
Research Aim and Objectives on the topic. Despite the presence of these
literatures, significant knowledge gaps persist.
Most of the studies conducted in this area
This study is part of a larger research project primarily used quantitative approaches. These
that investigated the factors contributing to include Akhter & Bhat (2018), who studied “ Late
delayed marriage among youth in Tarauni L.G.A., Marriage Consequences and Concerns among
Kano, Nigeria. It explored the socio-economic women of Kashmir Valley” and Karamat (2016)
factors, consequences, perceptions surrounding who studied "Perceptions on Implications of
delayed marriage, and how delayed marriage Delayed Marriage: A Case Study of Married
could be reduced in the area. This article is an Adults in Kuala Lumpur." They all employed
extract from that research, examining how quantitative methods for their studies.
delayed marriage affects individuals and society Nevertheless, this study was conducted
in this part of the metropolitan Kano. This part of specifically to explore the negative implications
the research aims to find out the factors of delayed marriage. It was also conducted in
contributing to delayed marriage among youth, northern Nigeria, unlike others that were either
and how it impacts their lives, relationships, and conducted in the south or foreign countries. In
societal roles. It explains what those who are addition to its unique objectives, this study will
experiencing delayed marriage are going adopt a qualitative approach, which sets it apart
through in the society. The study aims to from previous research. Rehim et al. (2023)
examine the effects of delayed marriage on argue that the increasing trend of delayed
various aspects, including family relationships, marriage is an important and noteworthy
social status, economic stability and mental phenomenon for it has significant implications
health. On the whole, this article aims to and consequences on individuals, families, and
contribute to the discussion on the social and society as a whole. In addition, he believes that
economic implications of delayed marriage in this shift in marriage is influenced by various
Nigeria's urban centers. factors, including social, economic, cultural, and
psychological causes, and these causes
Methodology contribute to the transformation of personal and
societal values.
This study adopted qualitative research
design. Qualitative research method was initially

156
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

Factors Associated with Delayed Marriage those in relationships may postpone marriage to
Among Youth fulfill their professional aspirations.
Delayed marriage can be attributed to a
myriad of societal and personal factors some of Studies have shown that delayed marriage is
these factors include: a prevalent phenomenon globally attributed to
various societal and personal factors. Economic
Economic Conditions: Difficult economic constraints, parental influence, educational
circumstances may discourage men from getting pursuits, and shifting attitudes towards marriage
married or cause them to postpone marriage contribute to this trend. Youths in Tarauni L.G.A
due to financial constraints that make it hard for prioritize tertiary education for better career
them to meet their financial obligations and prospects, leading to delayed marriage, while
responsibilities as husbands (Wrenn, Yi, & Zhang, others lack economic capabilities. Similarly,
2019; Kim, 2017; Krafft&Assaad, 2020). women in the area aspire to further their
education and establish careers before
considering marriage. The results of the above-
Parental Influence: Adebowale (2018) reviewed literatures are also observable in
believes that parental pressure influences Tarauni L.G.A.
marriage timing, and this influence of parents on
marriage timing shows the relationship between
family dynamics and individual choices in the Implications of Delayed Marriage
decision to marry. Studies have been conducted on the effects
of delayed marriage on youth and society in
Educational Pursuits: Higher levels of general. Those studies proved that delayed
education often lead to delayed marriage as marriage has a number of detrimental effects
individuals focus on their careers and personal which include:
development. This delay allows them to
establish a strong educational foundation and Intergenerational Gaps: Delayed marriage
secure better job prospects, enhancing their can create intergenerational gaps between
future financial stability (George, 2019). parents and children affecting the quality of
parent-child relationships.It could lead to
Female Education: Maharaj and Shangase disparities in values and perspectives between
(2020) note that the majority of women wanted generations. This is because parents would grow
to delay marriage to a later stage. When asked older while their children would become
about their goals for the next ten years, most younger. This is due to the fact that, at the time
readily gave details of their career plans. They when the parents were supposed to take care of
aspired to further their education and were quite their children, they were single. (Akhter & Bhat,
keen to obtain a postgraduate qualification. The 2018).
majority did not perceive education as an
impediment to marriage but rather viewed it as Inferiority complex: persistent sense of
an asset. inferiority can detrimentally affect self-esteem
and interpersonal relationships of those
Attitudes Towards Marriage: Today, many experiencing delayed marriage.Those who
individuals view marriage as a deeply personal experience delayed marriage in societies that
and transformative commitment that should highly emphasize marriage as an important
only be entered into when they feel ready for the institution, often face negative perception and
emotional and psychological demands it entails. stigma, making them feel inferior (Chen & Tong,
Consequently, some may choose to delay 2021; Mohd Isa et al., 2022).
marriage until they believe they have achieved a
level of personal fulfillment, self-awareness, and Premarital Sex: It is often likely that people
emotional readiness that aligns with their who postpone marriage may become engaged in
expectations for marriage. According to pre-marital sexual behaviour. As marriage gets
Gündoğdu and Bulut (2022) due to shifting delayed to later ages, unmarried people who are
attitudes towards marriage, many individuals involved in pre-marital sexual behaviour also
now prioritize economic stability and personal carry the risk of unintended pregnancies. It is
growth, leading to a preference for delayed associated with infidelity, promiscuity and
marriage. Pursuing higher education, particularly spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
postgraduate degrees, contributes to this trend, (Asien et at, 2020; Nduonofit&Nwala-Cadger,
as does the focus on achieving career goals. Even 2015).

157
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

Interpersonal Relationship Challenges: Studies have shown that delayed marriage can
individuals who marry later may face challenges lead to intergenerational gaps, inferiority
in forming and maintaining intimate complex, premarital sex, interpersonal
relationships due to prolonged singlehood. relationship challenges, reduced fertility, and
Additionally, this may impact their ability to the risk of remaining childless. These effects can
handle the complexities of emotional have lasting impacts on individuals, families, and
connections (Akhter & Bhat, 2018). communities. In Tarauni L.G.A., where marriage
is highly valued, delayed marriage can lead to
Reduced Fertility: Delayed marriage, negative perceptions, stigma, and emotional
especially among women as noted by Mathews& distress. Therefore, it is essential to address the
Hamilton (2016) has been associated with root causes of delayed marriage and provide
reduced fertility. As adults delay marriage, they support for young people in Tarauni L.G.A. to
are also navigating their reproductive lifespan, navigate the challenges of marriage and family
particularly for women, who have a limited formation.
window of fertility within which to conceive.
Data and Findings
Risk of Remaining Childless: Delayed
marriage increases the risk of remaining Interview data were collected in Hausa
childless, which can be emotionally distressing language which is the native language of the
for couples desiring children. The longer couples interviewed respondents. It was audio recorded
wait to start a family, the greater the potential and transcribed verbatim to English language. As
impact on their ability to conceive and raise earlier mentioned, the respondents comprised
children (Mcllhaney & Sprigg, 2021). eight community members and leaders in
Tarauni L.G.A., Kano state.
In Tarauni L.G.A., delayed marriage has far-
reaching consequences for youth and society.

Table1 Background Characteristics of the Respondents

S/N Age Sex Marital status Level of education Occupation

1 48 Male Married NCE Religious Leader

2 55 Male Married Degree Community Leader

3 32 Female Single ND Baker

4 29 Female Single SSCE Entrepreneur

5 34 Female Single Degree Class teacher

6 36 Male Single SSCE Plumber

7 30 Male Single NCE Civil Servant

8 35 Male Single Degree Shop owner

Source: Madachi, I. K. (2024)

Out of the 8 respondents interviewed, as largely a patriarchal society, but where women
shown in Table 1, the majority 5, (62.5%) are are respected and given due consideration.
males, while females account for 3 (37.5%) of the Therefore, the data are gender-sensitive, as they
respondents. This is because Tarauni L.G.A is include the voices of women, which is essential

158
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

since the topic deals with youth, comprising both research identified various detrimental effects of
males and females. delayed marriage on the society of Tarauni and
on individuals experiencing it. At the societal
The age range of 29-38 years constitutes the level, these effects include abandoned babies,
largest proportion (75%) of the respondents, abortions, infidelity, mental health pressure on
followed by the 39-48 years’ age range (12.5%), parents, moral decadence, and substance abuse.
and then the 49-58 age range (12.5%). This At the individual level, the effects include
reveals a significant aspect of our respondents’ emotional and psychological distress, health
profile, who are considered mature enough to concerns, stigma, difficulties in partner
provide valuable insights into the phenomenon selection, and constant pressure and
being studied. All respondents were mature interrogation. Furthermore, the study explored
adults above 25 years old. the youth's perceptions on reducing delayed
marriage in Tarauni L.G.A., which include
In terms of marital status, a larger proportion, promoting early vocational training and
6 (75%) of the respondents are single, while only employment, reforming traditional marriage
2 (25%) are married. This is because the study’s practices, changing attitudes and expectations
target population consists of single adults who regarding partner selection, encouraging honest
have reached the customary ages for marriage communication in relationships, government
but remain unmarried, making them ideal intervention in job creation, and addressing
participants for providing firsthand information cultural spending expectations associated with
crucial to the research’s success. The few marriage ceremonies.
married individuals among the respondents are
community and religious leaders, as it is rare to All interviewed respondents demonstrated
find individuals of their stature in Tarauni L.G.A awareness of delayed marriage as a burgeoning
who are not married. phenomenon. Some respondents expressed the
belief that this issue extends beyond Kano state
Regarding education, the majority, 3 (37.5%) or Hausaland, with a global proliferation of the
of the respondents hold a degree, followed by problem. For example, an Imam, a religious
NCE and SSCE, which account for 2 (25%) each. leader, noted the prevalence of delayed
The remaining 1 (12.5%) holds a National marriage in Tarauni and highlighted the
Diploma. Their educational background universality of the issue. He said:
indicates a high level of academic achievement,
with the majority having completed their degree Of course, there is a prevalence of
and the rest holding other higher institution this problem in this area, and I
certificates. Only two respondents have an SSCE think it’s everywhere today. Not
certificates, which is a basic qualification, but at only in Hausa land, but I hear
least they have some formal education. people talking about this issue on
the radio, television, etc. (IDI with
The respondents' occupations are diverse, religious leader from Tarauni
with no single occupation predominating. L.G.A., 2024).
Notwithstanding, various professions are
represented equally, each accounting for 1 Corroborating the above, another male
(12.5%) of the respondents, including Religious respondent, who is also experiencing delayed
Leaders, Community Leaders, Bakers, marriage, added that:
Entrepreneurs, Class Teachers, Plumbers, Civil
Servants, and Shop Owners. This indicates that Well, there is a presence of this
all respondents have a source of income, ranging issue in this area, and I believe it is
from those who are well-off to those who now frequent almost everywhere.
struggle to make ends meet. As a result, the There are people that I know who
perspectives of both the affluent and the have reached the ages of marriage
struggling individuals are equally represented. but are still yet to get married. I’m
even younger compared to some
The findings of this study revealed that people that I know, both the men
multiple factors contribute to delayed marriage and women (IDI with an unmarried
among youth in Tarauni L.G.A. The primary male from Tarauni L.G.A., 2024).
factors include joblessness, educational pursuit,
personal preference, and choosiness, The initial respondent, a religious leader,
predominantly among women. Additionally, the exhibited awareness of the delayed marriage

159
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

phenomenon. The subsequent respondent, who The phenomenon of delayed marriage has
is personally experiencing delayed marriage, also been found to have numerous effects on the
acknowledged its prevalence in Tarauni L.G.A. society of Tarauni L.G.A., as well as on the
nevertheless, he noted that despite having individuals concerned. According to the
attained the customary marriageable age in respondents, some of the effects include illegal
Tarauni, he is still relatively younger compared abortions, infidelity in the form of illicit sexual
to some unmarried individuals within his social behavior, and the production of children out of
circle. wedlock, which contravenes the societal
standards of Tarauni L.G.A., Kano. A religious
Moreover, although several factors were leader further emphasized this point, saying:
identified by the respondents, joblessness
emerged as the most prominent contributing Whoever is acquainted with media
factor. All of the interviewed individuals, or would hardly pass a week
including both males and females, community without hearing news of people
leaders, and religious leaders, cited joblessness picking up a baby thrown away by
as a key economic factor contributing to the his parents. Such babies are
proliferation of this problem. There was a thrown away because they were
unanimous consensus among the respondents born out of the wedlock. After
that joblessness is the primary contributing that, there is a frequency of
factor. A community leader mentioned: abortion among the youth. These
are some of the serious effects of
Even if there are other factors that this issue in this area (IDI with a
contribute to this problem, those religious leader, 2024).
two things that is, joblessness and
laziness from the part of guys and Agreeing with the above, an unmarried
choosy behavior by the girls, are female respondent buttressed that:
what stand out and contribute the
most. The males don’t have a This problem leads to a high level
stream of income while the of infidelity in society, where both
females prefer those who are men and women engage in various
ready-made (Interview with a forms of illegal sexual activities. I
community leader, 2024). believe this also leads to the
production of children out of
Agreeing with the community leader’s wedlock, which inflicts pain and
testimony, one of the female respondents also shame on the family of the girl and
opined that: especially on the children
themselves. There is also a
The number one factor for men is frequency of abortion, which
about joblessness. Second, their affects women’s health (An
preferences also play a role in delaying unmarried female respondent,
them from getting married. Some 2024).
would say they will only marry
daughters from well-to-do families, or The first speaker and the second speaker both
else they keep waiting (An unmarried acknowledged the new phenomenon of giving
female respondent, 2024). birth to children outside of wedlock, which
contravenes the norms and standards of Tarauni
Both the community leader and the second L.G.A. They also decried the prevalence of
speaker recognize unemployment and infidelity and illegal sexual activities among
selectiveness as obstacles to timely marriage. youth, noting that illegal abortion is another
Moreover, the second speaker’s perspective issue exacerbated by these activities, which in
differs in attributing selectiveness to men as turn affects women’s health.
well, whereas the community leader primarily
associates it with women. This suggests a more The research respondents identified a
clear understanding of the issue, acknowledging multitude of specific challenges faced by
that selectiveness is not exclusively attributed to individuals experiencing delayed marriage.
one gender. Notably, the researcher observed that these
challenges disproportionately affect women.
Furthermore, stigma and mental health

160
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

instability emerged as the most prominent Regarding the challenges faced by individuals
challenges, surpassing others in significance. As experiencing delayed marriage, as mentioned
one unmarried female respondent poignantly above by the respondents, it is clear that they all
remarked: emphasized the issue of stigma. Individuals who
delay marriage in Tarauni L.G.A are vulnerable to
There is an issue of stigma for the individual stigma. The first speaker even shared
women, especially from their sisters. that a neighbor made a comment about her
When you don’t get married earlier, all marital status, which led to a dispute between
eyes will be on you. I am talking from them. The second and third speakers expressed
experience. In fact, it leads to their concerns about the health challenges
frustration and even depression. It also affecting both men and women.
leads to drug abuse for both males and
females. Most importantly is the issue In order to fulfill the research objectives, the
of stigma from the people because not respondents' perspectives were also sought on
even long ago someone made a potential solutions to alleviate the issue of
comment on me that landed both of us delayed marriage among youth in Tarauni L.G.A.
in trouble (IDI with an unmarried A wide range of solutions were suggested, but
female respondent, 2024). the most notable ones that stood out were:
promoting early vocational training and
Another female respondent, who shared a employment, reexamining attitudes and
personal example, emphasized the challenges expectations regarding partner selection,
faced by mature adults in Tarauni L.G.A. She government intervention in job creation, and
explained that all her peers were married with addressing cultural spending expectations
children, causing her significant anxiety about associated with marriage ceremonies. The
her future prospects. Furthermore, she noted religious leader interviewed offered the
that she was subjected to ridicule and nicknames following insight:
due to her marital status, as she was frequently
called different names simply because she was In my opinion, to address this issue, we
single. She recounted: have to go back to the drawing board.
It’s a systemic problem. It is something
To give an example with myself, that has to do with the family
most, if not all, of my age mates institution in general. Parents should
have already got married. This make sure they find something for
makes me worried about the their children to do even before they
future. There is also a challenge of become fully adults. Moreover,
stigma, sincerely from both my modern marriage has to be on the low
family and the society. Their key. Everyone should go for a partner
concern is just I should get that belongs to his or her economic
married. Sometimes people call class. Moreover, from the
me with many unprintable names government’s side, it should prioritize
just because I’m single (An reviving technical and vocational
unmarried female respondent schools where young people could
from Tarauni L.G.A., 2024). learn different occupations, so that by
the time they finish, they have
In line with the above, the religious leader something to do, making marriage
interviewed also said: easier for them (A religious leader
from Tarauni L.G.A.).
Males are affected emotionally and
psychologically because as a man, you The community leader interviewed also has
can’t have absolute peace of mind an opinion that aligns with the above. He said:
when you reach the ideal age to get
married without getting married. For In order to address this issue, Kano
women, they can experience problems state government has started a very
like stigma, health challenges, and good work in curbing bride price, but I
bullying even from their family don’t know why it has not been
members (IDI with a community implemented. I don’t hear anything
leader, 2024). about it anymore. Secondly, parents
should also change their attitude of

161
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

saying that their children must marry which are contrary to the norms of the area. The
rich men. I think one should give his affected youth also experience various
daughter’s hand to a man once he is challenges, including stigma, mental health
satisfied with his adherence to instability, and health challenges. To address the
religion, respect for elders, and has issue of delayed marriage, several solutions have
something to do. We should stop so been identified, but the most important ones
many unnecessary rituals that are are: promoting early vocational training and
attached to marriage in Hausa land. employment, changing attitudes and
The bride price, for example, is the expectations regarding partner selection,
most significant (IDI with a community government intervention in job creation, and
leader, 2024). addressing cultural spending expectations
associated with marriage ceremonies.
An unmarried male respondent also
buttressed that: Summary and Conclusions
In a straightforward language, the This research on the factors associated with
government should provide jobs for delayed marriage among youth was conducted
the youth first. Second, too much in Tarauni Local Government Area, Kano State.
expectations and spending attached to The main aim of the study was to explore the
the culture of Hausa people in major factors associated with delayed marriage
marriage should be addressed. I think among youth in Tarauni L.G.A. To address the
that’s all (IDI with another unmarried objectives of the research, the researcher
male respondent, 2024). adopted qualitative method, precisely in depth
interview (IDIs) and conducted interviews with
Finally, according to the respondents’ religious leader, community leader, and some
opinions on how to address the issue of delayed selected unmarried males and females within
marriage in Tarauni L.G.A, they unanimously the various parts of the study area. The sample
agreed that the best solution is to provide job of the population was drawn using purposive
opportunities and sources of income for the sampling technique due to the nature of the
youth. Additionally, they pointed out the need to research.
reduce the bride price associated with marriage
in Tarauni L.G.A and address the high In conclusion, this research has provided
expectations surrounding marriage valuable insights into the phenomenon of
arrangements. delayed marriage among youth in Tarauni L.G.A.,
Kano state. The study reveals that there is
prevalence of this phenomenon, and people are
highly aware of it. Through an exploration of
Discussions of the Major Findings factors contributing to delayed marriage, effects
thereof, and perceptions on potential mitigation
strategies, a clear understanding of this issue has
Based on the findings presented, the research been achieved. Economic challenges, societal
has successfully addressed its objectives expectations, parental influence, new attitude
pertaining to the factors associated with delayed towards marriage, and individual preferences
marriage, its effects, and perceptions on how to emerged as significant determinants influencing
reduce it in Tarauni L.G.A. A substantial marital decisions within the Tarauni L.G.A. One
awareness of the issue of delayed marriage important thing that also stands out is the issue
among youth in Tarauni L.G.A, Kano state, has of bride wealth. Moreover, there are far-
been observed. However, this problem has not reaching consequences of delayed marriage on
received the attention it warrants. Several both the society of Tarauni L.G.A., and the
factors have been identified as contributing to affected individuals, including social, emotional,
delayed marriage in this area, but joblessness, and psychological impacts on individuals, and
educational pursuit, and preference and the broader societal fabric of Tarauni L.G.A.
choosiness have been proven to be the most
important. Furthermore, delayed marriage
among youth has several detrimental effects on Policy Recommendations
the society of Tarauni L.G.A., including the
prevalence of infidelity, illegal abortion, and the Based on the findings of this research, the
production of children outside of wedlock, all of following recommendations are made in order

162
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

to address the issue of delayed marriage among homepagelagos/are-unmarried-people-

youth in Tarauni L.G.A.: less-respected

1. Promotion of Economic Opportunities: Okunlola D. A., Makinde O. A. & Stella B. (2023).

Efforts should be made to enhance Socio-economic Correlates of Marital
economic opportunities for youth in Tarauni Status and Marriage Timing Among Adult
L.G.A., through initiatives such as vocational Men in Nigeria. Journal of Family Issues.
training programs and job creation schemes. Vol. 44(6).
Providing viable employment opportunities
can empower individuals to overcome Asien A. A., Shiyanbola A. A. &Igbaroola A. F.
financial barriers and facilitate timely (2020). Societal Implications of Delayed
marriage. Marriages in Contemporary Times:
Evidence from Nigeria. Journal of
2. Reform of Traditional Marriage Practices: Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-
There is a need to reform traditional JHSS). Volume 25, Issue 11, Series 1 50-60
marriage customs and practices in Tarauni
L.G.A. to reduce the financial burden Brian J. Willoughby, Scott S. Hall, Saige Goff
associated with marital ceremonies. (2015) Marriage Matters But How Much?
Simplifying ceremonial rituals and adjusting Marital Centrality Among Young Adults.
cultural expectations, particularly regarding The Journal of Psychology. 149(8):1-22.
bride price and extravagant spending, can DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2014.979128
alleviate financial strain and facilitate more
accessible marriage arrangements. Chen, D., & Tong, Y. (2021). Marriage for the
Sake of Parents? Adult Children’s Marriage
3. Collaborative Intervention: stakeholder Formation and Parental Psychological
collaboration involving policymakers, Distress in China. Journal of Marriage and
community leaders, religious institutions, Family.
and civil society organizations is essential to
develop and implement targeted Carroll, J. (2017). Delaying Marriage: The Trends
interventions addressing the causes of and the Consequences. Ensign, 24-27
delayed marriage in Tarauni L.G.A.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research
References design: Qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods approaches. Sage
Abdulamalik, J. (2023). Emotional impact of publication
society’s views about unmarried adults,
divorcees, widows, and couples with George, F.D. (2019). Influence of some personal
infertility. Tribune Online. Retrieved from factors on late marriage among part-time
[https://tribuneonlineng.com/emotional- students of ken-poly, Bori, Rivers state,
impact-of-societys-views-about- Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced
unmarried-adults-divorcees-widows-and- Educational Research, 4(3), 22–27
couples-with-infertility/
Gündoğdu, A. H.,&Bulut, S. (2022). The Positive
Adebowale, S. A. (2018). Dynamics of child and Negative Effects of Late Marriage.
marriage and marital timing in Nigeria: A Open Journal of Depression, 11, 63-71.
retrogression or progression? Health Care https://doi.org/10.4236/ojd.2022.114005
for Women International, 39(9), 975–993.
Karamat, K. (2016). Perceptions on Implications
Akhter, R., & Bhat, M. R. (2018). Late Marriage of Delayed Marriage: A Case Study of
Consequences and Concerns among Married Adults in Kuala Lumpur.
women of Kashmir Valley. International International Journal of Social Science and
Journal on Arts, Management and Humanity, Vol. 6, No. 8, August 2016
Humanities, 7, 1-9.
Kim, K. (2017). The changing role of employment
Akpan, S. V. (2022). Are Unmarried People Less status in marriage formation among young
Respected?. Nigeria Info. Retrieved from Korean adults. Demographic Research, 36,
[https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/lagos/news/ 145–172

163
 WUKARI INTERNATIONAL STUDIES JOURNAL, VOL 8 (5), August, 2024

Krafft, C., &Assaad, R. (2020). Employment’s role

in enabling and constraining marriage in
the Middle East and North Africa.
Demography, 57(6), 2297–2325

Maharaj, P., &Shangase, T. (2020). Reasons for

Delaying Marriage: Attitudes of Young,
Educated Women in South Africa. JSTOR.
Retrieved from
[https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/2
6912113?seq=1&cid=pdf-
reference#references_tab_contents]

Mathews, T. J., & Hamilton, B. E. (2016). Mean

Age of Mothers is on the Rise: United
States, 2000–2014. NCHS Data Brief, 232,
1-8

Mcllhaney, J. S., &Sprigg, P. (2021). Fertility

Rates, Delayed Marriage, and Infertility.
Institute for Family Studies

Mohd Isa, N. A. B., Misri, N. A. B., Fazlan Nor, M.

I. B., Rezali, S. N. B., & Ku Aziz, K. A. B.
(2020). The Perceptions of women in late
marriage. E-Journal of Media & Society, 4

Rehim, M. H., AL-Tkhayneh, K. M., &Jabarah, T.

A. (2023). The Causes of Delayed Marriage
among Young Men: An Analytical
Descriptive Study of a Sample of Al Ain
University Students

Smith, D. J. (2020). Masculinity, Money, and the

Postponement of Parenthood in Nigeria.
Population and Development Review,
46(1), 101–120.

Madachi, I. K. (2024). Table One: Background

Characteristics of the respondents.

Wimalasena N. A. (2016). An Analytical Study of

Definitions of the Term “Marriage”.
International Journal of Humanities and
Social Science. Vol. 6 No. 1: January 2016.

Wrenn, D. H., Yi, J., & Zhang, B. (2019). House

prices and marriage entry in China.
Regional Science and Urban Economics,
74, 118–130.

164