Influence of Inter- Ethnic Marriages on Family Stability among Couples in Kajiado North Sub - County of Kajiado, Kenya
Date
2022-06
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PAC University
Abstract
Inter-ethnic marriages have been in societies for quite a number of years all over the world. Even in many hitherto closed communities, interethnic marriages are becoming the norm, with those communities opening up to accept this reality. Interethnic married couples face stressors in their marriages. These are causes of discord and dis-harmony which if not given timely intervention, may result in separation and/or divorce. However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between interethnic marriages and family stability. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of interethnic marriages on family stability focusing on Kajiado North Sub-County, Kajiado County. Specifically, the study sought to explore the prevalence of interethnic marriages; the effect of the interethnic marriages on family stability and finally, to establish intervention measures that will promote couple family stability. The study adopted Family Theory by Salvador Munichin which emphasizes on structural change as the main goal of therapy. A descriptive survey design was used to explain the prevalence and the effect of interethnic marriages on family stability in Kajiado North Sub-County. The study targeted a population of 8024 couples in the interethnic marriages where a sample of 363 was selected for the study. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to ensure that couples willing were chosen in the interethnic marriage study. The research used semi-structured questionnaires to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive, inferential and content analysis was used for data analysis. The results show that majority of marriages (63.6%) are interethnic. In addition, findings show that interethnic marriages have a higher probability of generating both internal and external stressors in the family as demonstrated by negative coefficients and odd ratios of 21.312 and 2.142 respectively. Nevertheless, statistics show that interethnic marriages have a lower probability of generating difference of opinion and challenges encountered in the family. Furthermore, the study established various intervention measures which can promote stability in interethnic marriages. These include discussing plans with the spouse to be before making marital commitment, obtaining parental blessings, overcoming language barriers, discussing investment priorities, having neutral names for the children, discarding undesirable cultures among others. From the findings, the study concludes that interethnic marriages are prevalent in Kajiado North Sub-County. In addition, interethnic marriages have a negative effect on family stability. Furthermore, many intervention measures that can promote stability in the interethnic marriages exist.
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Inter Ethnic Marriages, Family Stability, family stability among couples
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