The research found that the Igbo perception of sexuality and gender relations is an integral part of their ideas about marriage, objectives of marriage, notions about appropriate male and female sexual behaviours prior to marriage and within marriage. More specifically, the research found that issues of age, fertility and gendered power relations informed specific notions of masculunity and feminity. The study found that men and women are expected to get married when they are of age. Women are expected to be physically mature and have some education before marriage. Men are equally expected to be mature but in addition should be educated or trained in a skill to enable them meet their financial and other obligations to their wives and children.
Heterosexual marriage is the norm.
Although monogamous marriages predominate, polygymy still persists. It is perceived that a man demonstrates his manhood by getting married, impregnating his wife, and raising children, exercising authority over his wife and children as well as meeting their needs. Procreation is seen as the most important role of a woman in marriage. Consequently being a wife and a mother are seen as distinguishing marks of womanhood. A man shows that he loves the wife by providing for her needs as well as that of their children.