SOCIOCULTURAL IMPLICATION OF CHILDLESSNESS: A CASE STUDY OF ESSIEN UDIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The purpose of this study is to analyze the Socio-Cultural implication of Childlessness in Essien Udim Local Government Area. Begetting and training of child is the primary aim of marriage in Essien Udim Local Government Area. For the Annang people, children are the bonding link in the rhythm of life guaranteeing the continuation of the family from one generation to the next. The problems associated with childlessness challenge both the couples and the society in general. Childlessness has caused many problems in our society, ranging from psychological, physical and emotional distress.to social problems, such as broken homes, depression, marital conflicts, psychological problem which comes as a result of inability to bear children, both sexes may feel inadequate to their roles, having mental illness. The paper adopted descriptive and historical survey approaches. The finding reveals that childlessness can be curbed, only when the nature, causes, perceptions and effects are properly addressed. This work looks at the positive response to Childlessness such as traditional healing practices and rituals, medical intervention and assisted technologies. The researchers recommend among others that mass enlightenment of the public could help increase the knowledge of the causes of childlessness among couples and also reduce feeling of inferiority complex among childless couples. Childless couples should seek for medical treatment jointly.