International Peer-Reviewed JournalOpen AccessISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1705853

1705853 Vol 7 · Issue 11 Download Paper

Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu

Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu

Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  ·  Area of research: Religion

Abstract

This study examines the effects of bride wealth transformation on marital stability among the Bukusu community in western Kenya. Bride wealth, a traditional practice involving the transfer of gifts from the groom's family to the bride's family, has undergone significant changes due to factors such as modernization, urbanization, and changing socio-economic conditions. The commercialization of bride wealth, characterized by high financial demands and a focus on material goods, has raised concerns about its impact on marital relationships. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, this study aims to investigate the consequences of bride wealth transformation on various aspects of marital stability, including the occurrence of separation and divorce, domestic violence, women's reproductive and property ownership rights, and the prevalence of cohabitation. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, to gather data from a sample of 200 married individuals in Bungoma County. The findings indicate that the commercialization of bride wealth has contributed to financial strain, marital conflicts, and power imbalances within marriages. The study reveals a significant relationship between bride wealth transformation and increased instances of separation, divorce, and domestic violence. Furthermore, women's reproductive and property ownership rights have been compromised, limiting their autonomy and well-being. The study also highlights the declining marriage rates and increased cohabitation among the Bukusu, with potential implications for family stability and child well-being. The findings underscore the need for community sensitization, policy interventions, economic empowerment programs, and support services to address the negative consequences of bride wealth transformation and promote healthy, equitable marriages among the Bukusu community.

Keywords

Bride Wealth, Marital Stability, Bukusu Community

References

[1] Arunachalam, R., & Logan, T. D. (2016). On the heterogeneity of dowry motives. Journal of Population Economics, 29(1), 135-166.

[2] Barasa, J. (2012). The Bukusu marriage and family structure in the light of Christianity. Saarbrücken, Germany: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing.

[3] Becker, G. S. (1974). A theory of marriage: Part II. Journal of Political Economy, 82(2, Part 2), S11-S26.

[4] Bloch, F., & Rao, V. (2002). Terror as a bargaining instrument: A case study of dowry violence in rural India. American Economic Review, 92(4), 1029-1043.

[5] Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.

[6] Chege, F. N., & Sifuna, D. N. (2006). Girls' and women's education in Kenya: Gender perspectives and trends. Nairobi, Kenya: UNESCO.

[7] Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

[8] Eryenyu, J. (2014). Payment of bride price turns women into commodities. Daily Monitor.

[9] Hague, G., Thiara, R. K., & Turner, A. (2011). Bride-price and its links to domestic violence and poverty in Uganda: A participatory action research study. Women's Studies International Forum, 34(6), 550-561.

[10] Homans, G. C. (1958). Social behavior as exchange. American Journal of Sociology, 63(6), 597-606.

[11] Khasakhala-Mwenesi, B., Buluma, R. C. B., Kong'ani, R. U., & Nyarunda, V. M. (2004). Gender violence. In D. Wesonga, M. Mwangi, E. Wanjohi, C. Kitetu, & G. M. Wanjohi (Eds.), Aspects of social change and development (pp. 29-44). Nairobi, Kenya: University of Nairobi Press.

[12] Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: SAGE Publications.

[13] Mbaye, L. M. (2013). Bride price and fertility decisions: Evidence from rural Senegal. IZA Discussion Paper No. 7770. Bonn, Germany: Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA).

[14] Muthegheki, S. B., Sausi, K., & Abrahams, N. (2012). An exploratory study of bride price and domestic violence in Bundibugyo District, Uganda. Bundibugyo, Uganda: Centre for Human Rights Advancement.

[15] Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

[16] Tamale, S. (2004). Gender trauma in Africa: Enhancing women's links to resources. Journal of African Law, 48(1), 50-61.

[17] Wafula, M. (2012, March 7). Payment of dowry should be regulated. Standard Digital.

[18] Wangila, M. N. (2017). Luhya marriage and bridewealth in the changing economy. In A. M. Khasakhala, C. Njonjo, & G. Owuor (Eds.), Changing trends in Kenya's social development (pp. 211-223). Nairobi, Kenya: University of Nairobi Press.

How to cite this paper

Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu "Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 11 2024 Page 573-578
Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu "Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 7, no. 11, May. 2024
Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu (2024). Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(11).
Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu "Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 7, no. 11, May. 2024.
@article{1705853,
      author = {Anne Nekesa Wepukhulu},
      title = {Effects of the Transformation of Bride Wealth on Stability in Marriage Among the Bukusu},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2024},
      volume = {7},
      number = {11},
      pages = {573-578},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1705853.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examines the effects of bride wealth transformation on marital stability among the Bukusu community in western Kenya. Bride wealth, a traditional practice involving the transfer of gifts from the groom's family to the bride's family, has undergone significant changes due to factors such as modernization, urbanization, and changing socio-economic conditions. The commercialization of bride wealth, characterized by high financial demands and a focus on material goods, has raised concerns about its impact on marital relationships. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, this study aims to investigate the consequences of bride wealth transformation on various aspects of marital stability, including the occurrence of separation and divorce, domestic violence, women's reproductive and property ownership rights, and the prevalence of cohabitation. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, to gather data from a sample of 200 married individuals in Bungoma County. The findings indicate that the commercialization of bride wealth has contributed to financial strain, marital conflicts, and power imbalances within marriages. The study reveals a significant relationship between bride wealth transformation and increased instances of separation, divorce, and domestic violence. Furthermore, women's reproductive and property ownership rights have been compromised, limiting their autonomy and well-being. The study also highlights the declining marriage rates and increased cohabitation among the Bukusu, with potential implications for family stability and child well-being. The findings underscore the need for community sensitization, policy interventions, economic empowerment programs, and support services to address the negative consequences of bride wealth transformation and promote healthy, equitable marriages among the Bukusu community.},
      keywords = {Bride Wealth, Marital Stability, Bukusu Community},
      month = {May},
  }