Men's Income Levels and Attitude towards Spousal Employment in South-South Nigeria: Implications for Family Dynamics and Counseling Interventions

This study examined the relationship between men's income levels and their attitudes towards spousal employment in the South-South region of Nigeria, highlighting the implications for guidance and counseling. One research question and one null hypothesis were formulated to direct the study. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing both simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select three South-South states—Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom—and a total of 225 married men from these states. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled Men’s Attitude towards Wives’ Work Type Questionnaire (MATWWTQ). The reliability of the instrument was established through the testretest method, with a Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient of 0.74. Mean scores and standard deviations were used to answer the research question, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level was applied to test the hypothesis. Findings indicated that men’s attitudes towards their wives’ work types did not differ significantly based on their income levels. In light of the findings, the study recommended, among others, that guidance counselors in schools, community centers, and religious institutions should develop and implement structured programs that challenge stereotypical gender roles and promote egalitarian attitudes toward spousal employment.