Divorce: The Contributing Factors and Impacts on the Family Member In Asendabo Town, Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia

Abstract

Nowadays, divorce as a prominent social problem, has become a common phenomenon in every society. It represents a major life stressor for the persons involved. The main objective of the study was to explore and describe factor contributing to divorce and its impacts on family members in Asendabo town. For this purpose, the study was guided by qualitative approach. To attain the stated objectives of the study both primary and secondary data were employed. In this respect, to collect the necessary data from the field, the study participants were purposively selected and qualitative methods of data collection like FGD, in-depth interview and key informant interviews were employed. To analysis data collected from primary sources thematic analysis was used. The finding of study revealed that economic factor like poverty, differences in salary between the spouse, irresponsible financial expenditure, and social factors such as infidelity/extramarital relationship, ethnic, and religious difference, unnecessary interference from friends and families, husband’s addiction to alcohol and chat as well as demographic factors such as wide age gap between spouses and infertility also contributed to divorce. Moreover, the study also found that poverty, losses/reduction of income and private property, losses of resources, weak social interaction, social rejection and exclusion, by families, friends, relatives and the community are the major impacts of divorce on the divorcees. Likewise, the study found that divorce also negatively impacts the social relationships and educational participation and performance of children’s. Children of divorced parent’s dropout school, scored lower grades, lacked social supports from their parents, social interaction and lacks good communication skill with others like peers. Since the case of divorce was worsening, the relevant government sectors should work cooperatively with civil societies on the root factors to minimize the occurrences and impacts of divorce.