Abstract
This paper analyzed the correlation between the inequality level of education, spouse educational
differences and the possibility of intimate partner violence (IPV) throughout the life course in terms
of the socio-economic situation in Abia State, Nigeria. Drawing on qualitative data from 24
participants, The study examined the extent and direction to which educational differences
influenced marital behavior, conflict, and the likelihood of IPV. On the one hand, the results show
that educational differences have varied impact according to the life stage of couples: the younger
couples are more likely to have increased tensions in the relationships when they have one,
especially in early marriage, and it is often augmented with childbearing, lousy jobs and financial
constraints. Conversely, later marriages show higher levels of adaptation, since experiences in life
lessen the sensitivity of education differences as causes of friction. Nonetheless, risk factors of IPV
are worsened by rampant unemployment and economic vulnerability wherever they may prevail.
The study concludes that effective IPV interventions requires multi-level strategies that promoted
educational equity, challenged harmful gender norms and enhanced economic empowerment.