A Critical Analysis of Marital Instability among Yoruba Christian Couples in the North West of England By Philip Bukola Oyewale A DISSERTATION Submitted to the Department of Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Liverpool Hope University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Theology) Liverpool, UK August 2016 1 Declaration I, Philip Oyewale, declare that this thesis is my original research and has not been submitted previously for another degree or qualification of this or any other university or other institute of learning. All published and unpublished works cited are duly referenced and acknowledged. Philip Oyewale 2 Abstract Marriage, as understood from the Christian, Nigerian Baptist Convention‟s, perspective, is a mutual relationship endorsed by holy matrimony between a consenting man and a woman. Similarly, within the Nigerian socio-cultural setting, particularly among the Yoruba, marriage is recognized and endorsed as sacred and accorded great priority. To the Yoruba, it signifies a crucial rite of passage, a transition to adulthood and immense responsibilities within the community. However, despite the sanctity and lofty views of marriage, a number of Diaspora Yoruba Christians couples living in the North West of England (NWE) are increasingly experiencing serious marital instability and conflict. This thesis, therefore, critically examines Yoruba couples „understanding of marriage and how their various contacts with social realities in the NWE impact upon spousal relations. Particular attention is paid to cross-cultural factors, power structures among the Yoruba and social structures that promote Yoruba women‟s empowerment in the NWE. The study employs semi-structured qualitative interviews. It notes that: (1) Yoruba couples, having been married in a traditional way and setting are intensely confronted with social realities in the NWE which often calls for a renegotiation of marital relations. (2) Issues of spousal power relations, male dominance and hierarchy, financial /resources management, identity crisis/social status and gender- role reversal are crucial factors that currently affect the level of marriage satisfaction among Yoruba Christian couples. However, in spite of the academic underpinnings of this work, the use of devotional language is justified given the religious commitment and background of the research 3 population. Against this backdrop, therefore, the relevance of the proposed marriage enhancement initiative, Prayer Intervention Programmes (PIP), as a viable approach for marital harmony, is significant. 4 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to Mrs Abigail Oyewale (my stepmother), the first prophet of my life; and Ruth Oyewale (my wife), who believe in my vision and stands with me. 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It will be impossible to list all the people whom God used in accomplishing his purpose for my life in writing this dissertation. I appreciate all who gave spiritual and emotional support to me in the past five years of undertaking this work. I appreciate the invaluable contributions of my supervisors, Revd. Dr Peter McGrail and Revd. Professor Daniel Jeyaraj. They painstakingly guided me from the beginning of this dissertation to the end. I am grateful to all families sampled in this study for allowing me into their homes, sharing their thoughts and hearts, thus making this research a reality. I am grateful to all members of Pentecost Baptist Church for their love and encouragement. I am equally grateful to Dr Joe Ewiwilem, who has helped me in editing this thesis; and the immediate past and the present presidents of our Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd. Dr Ademola Ishola and Revd. Dr Samson Ayokunle, respectively, for their supports. Finally, I am grateful to my entire family members for their love, support and prayer. In particular, I am grateful to my wife Ruth, and my children: Segun, Anjola, Ayomikun, Ayomide, and Emmanuel for their constant encouragement and love. To God alone be all the glory 6 Table of Contents A Critical Analysis of Marital Instability among Yoruba Christian Couples in the North West of England .................................................................................................. 1 Declaration ..................................................................................................................... 2 Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 3 Dedication ...................................................................................................................... 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER ONE .......................................................................................................... 10 GENERAL INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 10 1.1 Overview of the Thesis ...................................................................................... 10 1.2 Research Methodology ...................................................................................... 11 1.3 Structure of the Study ........................................................................................ 14 1.4 The Discussion of Marital Instability within Academic Discourse ................... 18 1.5 The Yoruba in Context....................................................................................... 21 1.6 A Panoramic Historical Development of the Yoruba ..................................... 23 1.6.1 Yoruba of South-western Nigeria ............................................................ 25 1.6.2 The Socioeconomic and Political Structure of the Yoruba ...................... 28 1.7 The Origniality and Contributions of the Study…………………………….32 CHAPTER TWO ......................................................................................................... 35 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 35 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 35 3.2 Research Questions ......................................................................................... 36 2.3 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................... 36 2.4 Rationale for this Research Approach ............................................................ 39 2.5 Ethnography and Its Relevance to this Study ................................................. 40 2.5.1 Ethnography and the Researcher‟s Subjectivity ...................................... 42 2.5.2 Reflexivity................................................................................................ 44 2.6 Methods........................................................................................................... 48 2.6.1 Participant Observation ............................................................................ 48 2.6.2 Limitation…………………………………………………………………52 2.7 The Semi-structured Interview .......................................................................... 53 2.8 Data Collection Process ..................................................................................... 60 2.9 Data Analysis and Synthesis .............................................................................. 62 2.10 Ethical Considerations ..................................................................................... 62 2.10.1 Informed Consent................................................................................... 63 2.10.2 Value Neutrality ..................................................................................... 64 2.10.3 Confidentiality and Anonymity ............................................................. 64 7 2.10.4 Non-Invasive Interaction with Respondents .......................................... 66 CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................... 67 REVIEW OF LITERATURE: ONE ............................................................................ 67 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 67 3.2 Part One: Theorizing Power in Its General Context .......................................... 68 3.2.1 Definitions and Understanding of Power .................................................... 68 3.3. Understanding Power through Yoruba Oral Traditional Practices ............... 73 3.3.1 Proverbs……………………………………...……………………………75 3.3.2 Myths and Stories……………………………………………………...….81 3.4 Power as It Relates to Marriage ......................................................................... 85 3.5 Resource Theory ................................................................................................ 90 3.6 Power and Decision-making in Yoruba Marriages ............................................ 96 3.7 Significant Dialoguing Partners………………………………………..…….102 CHAPTER FOUR……………………………………………………………..……107 REVIEW OF LITERATURE: TWO.……………………………...……………….107 4.1 The Traditional Marriage Pattern among the Yoruba ...................................... 107 4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 107 4.2 Marriage: Pattern, Purpose and Process ..........................................................