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Contextual determinants of family dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Clifford Odimegwu
  • Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun
  • Nicole De Wet

Abstract

The question of family dissolution has been widely debated by demographers, economists and health experts in developed countries. However, there appears to be a dearth of research on the contextual determinants of family dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the variations that exist within regions. This article is stimulated by the recognition that family dissolution is associated with negative consequences both for adults and for children. Using pooled data from the recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 16 SSA countries with a weighted sample of 51 474 (Central Africa), 61 069 (East Africa), 42 247 (Southern Africa) and 83 187 (West Africa) women, the article examines the contextual determinants of family dissolution in SSA. Dissolution rates ranged from 12% in East Africa to 20% in Central Africa. Socio-economic variables were strong predictors of dissolution in all of the regions although direction of association differed. This article adds to the body of knowledge of family dissolution in SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Clifford Odimegwu & Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun & Nicole De Wet, 2017. "Contextual determinants of family dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(6), pages 721-737, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:34:y:2017:i:6:p:721-737
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2017.1310029
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    Cited by:

    1. Clifford Odimegwu & Marifa Muchemwa & Joshua O. Akinyemi, 2023. "Systematic review of multilevel models involving contextual characteristics in African demographic research," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 40(2), pages 1-29, June.
    2. Benson John & Natalie Nitsche, 2022. "Marital life courses in sub-Saharan Africa: all cause union dissolution, its timing, and time spent outside marriage," MPIDR Working Papers WP-2022-017, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.

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