UNDERGRADUATES PERCEPTION ON COURTSHIP AND IT’S INFLUENCE ON PRE-MARITAL SEX

Abstract:
This study explores the perceptions of undergraduates on courtship and its influence on premarital sex in Nigerian tertiary institutions. As traditional norms give way to modern lifestyles, especially within university environments, students increasingly engage in new forms of romantic relationships, often detached from long-term commitments and guided more by casual sexual encounters. Using a structured questionnaire administered to 200 students across diverse faculties of Lagos State University, the study evaluates how students interpret the concept of courtship, their engagement in premarital sex, and the factors influencing such behaviours. Statistical tools, including Pearson correlation and T-test, were applied to assess the relationship between courtship and sexual activity. The findings reveal a significant, positive correlation between courtship and premarital sex among undergraduates. While many students view courtship as a pathway to emotional bonding, others perceive it as a temporary phase, justifying sexual involvement without marital intentions. Media influence, peer pressure, reduced parental supervision, and cultural shifts emerged as major contributing factors. The study concludes by recommending increased sexual education, value-driven orientation, and stronger institutional policies to guide students’ sexual behaviours and reduce the risks of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Keywords:
undergraduates, courtship, premarital sex, student perception, Nigerian universities, youth sexuality, sexual behaviour

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

University campuses present a distinct environment where students may either embrace a traditional approach to courtship or engage in styles influenced by premarital sexual activities. As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, courtship refers to the actions and interactions people engage in while forming a romantic bond that may lead to marriage or the timeframe in which such interactions occur.

Premarital sex involves sexual relations between individuals who are not married. In the past, this behaviour was widely seen as a moral concern, often condemned across various cultures and considered sinful by several religious groups. However, beginning around the 1960s, such views started to shift, especially in Western societies, leading to broader social acceptance.

Multiple studies have examined how students perceive courtship, particularly in relation to premarital sexual activities (Bogle, 2008). Findings from these studies suggest that young men and women increasingly partake in casual sexual encounters—often labelled as ‘campus courtship’ or ‘hooking up’—in contrast to the traditional form of dating, which discouraged premarital sex. Though the term ‘hooking up’ is somewhat vague, it is generally understood as any physical interaction, from kissing to intercourse, between young adults without any intent of long-term commitment.

High divorce rates, premarital sex, and non-marital pregnancies have significantly altered the structure of the traditional family. Courtship, which has existed in Nigeria for decades, gained further prominence through Western education. Among undergraduates, modern courtship has transformed the dynamics of male and female interactions compared to traditional African practices. In pre-colonial times, men had to formally request to meet women, who would only entertain such visits under strict family supervision. This older form of courtship followed specific societal rules and expectations that both men and women were obligated to respect.

However, Western education has totally redefined the perception of young men and women about courtship and sex before marriage. The university environment provides the opportunity for young individuals to go out to places away from the watchful eyes of the family and community members and engage in another kind of campus courtship popularly known as ‘hooking up’ (Hettlinger, 2007).

Several factors, such as the mass media, social media, the internet, peers, changing family traditions, money, the university environment, among others, have influenced how young men and women think and participate in courtship alongside modern social changes. The influence of this perception on courtship has influenced undergraduates’ sexual behavior, particularly in the areas of courtship and its relationship with premarital sex.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Literature regarding the undergraduates’ perception of courtship and its influence on pre-marital sex is limited. This research seeks to fill the vacuum by examining the students’ views on how courtship should be and on if pre-marital sex should be discouraged, with special reference to peers, university environment, family background, and the social media has any significant effect on undergraduates’ perceptions on courtship and its influence on pre-marital sex.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. To examine the undergraduates’ perceptions of courtship and its influence on pre-marital sex.
2. To ascertain how courtship is being practiced among the undergraduates.
3. To identify the factors leading to pre-marital sex among undergraduates.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the undergraduates’ perceptions of courtship and its influence on pre-marital sex?
2. How is courtship being practiced among the undergraduates?
3. What are the factors leading to pre-marital sex among undergraduates?

1.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

  H₀: The perception of undergraduates on courtship and its influence on premarital sex is not gender dependent.

 H₁:  The perception of undergraduates on courtship and its influence on premarital sex is gender dependent.

H₀: Courtship does not influence premarital sex among undergraduates.

H₁: Courtship influences premarital sex among undergraduates.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The following are the significance of this study:

1. The outcome of this study will educate the general public and education administrators on what students feel about courtship and its effect on premarital sex as this will form a guide to managing the issues of premarital sex among the students.
2. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study on the undergraduates’ perceptions on courtship and its influence on pre-marital sex will cover all various types of courtship approaches that exist in the Nigerian universities. Its will also cover the views of the undergraduates about its and its effect on premarital sex.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

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