The Effect of Polygamy on Family Stability and Children’s Welfare in Sokoto State

Polygamous family structures are prevalent in North West Nigeria, where Islamic and cultural traditions support multiple marriage arrangements, yet the consequences of polygamy for family stability and children's welfare in contemporary economic conditions warrant sociological investigation. This study examines the effects of polygamy on family stability and children's welfare in Sokoto State. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured questionnaires administered to 280 adult members of polygamous households in Sokoto, Tambuwal, and Rabah local government areas with focus group discussions with twelve women from polygamous unions. The Structural Functionalism and Feminist perspectives were applied comparatively. Results indicate that co-wife conflict was reported as frequent or constant by 61% of female respondents in polygamous households, constituting the primary stability threat. Resource allocation disputes were the most common conflict trigger, particularly regarding educational fees and food provisioning. Children's primary school completion rates were significantly lower in polygamous households compared to monogamous households of equivalent income, suggesting that resource dilution rather than the family structure itself is the primary welfare mechanism. Maternal favoritism by fathers toward children of preferred wives was reported by 43% of respondents. Islamic regulation of co-wife rights was considered the most effective stability mechanism by 58% of male respondents but was assessed as inadequately observed by 67% of female respondents. Recommendations include legal clarity on maintenance obligations in polygamous unions, social protection programs targeting children in large polygamous households, and community mediation services for co-wife disputes in Sokoto State. Keywords: polygamy, family stability, children's welfare, Sokoto State, co-wife conflict.