Socio-Cultural And Religious Implications Of Mixed Marriage In Nsukka Area Of Enugu State

ABSTRACT

The oppositions of mixed marriages from families, religious groups and

cultural groups led to the topic “the socio – cultural and religious implication

of mixed marriage in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State”. The researcher used

both primary and secondary sources in gathering information. The data from

primary sources like oral interview were used. The secondary source

includes textbooks, encyclopedia, Journals, News papers, published and

unpublished materials like hand outs, seminar papers and internet materials.

Information gathered were carefully used. It is found out that there are

factors that leads people to enter into mixed marriages such as Education,

Job, Low – economic status, Social mobility, Trade, Proximity, Religion,

etc. It is also found out that there are some factors that cause problems in

mixed marriages in Nsukka such as Adultery, Childlessness/Impotence,

Difference in temperament, chronic sickness, Language, Age, Failure to

provide etc. Religion and culture play a very important role in mixed

marriage. Culture is seen as an important issue in mixed marriage; for it is

found out that what is abhorred in one’s culture may be accepted and

approved by another culture. Religion should play the role of ecumenism

among other denominations as Christians believe in one Lord Jesus Christ. It

should be seen as a source of unity not discriminations. “Thus religiously

mixed marriages were relatively stigmatized by the institutional church”.

Mixed marriage should be encouraged in our society since it brings unity,

tolerance and also encourages harmony and co-operation among people of

different cultural and religious groups.