Full Description
Marriage has always occupied a profound cultural and social significance in Zimbabwean society, but the forms and meanings attached to marriage have changed in recent decades. Marriage in Contemporary Zimbabwe provides a social analysis of the institution, highlighting how it is changing and evolving in the face of societal factors such as globalisation, technology, increased migration, religious plurality, and shifting cultural systems.
This book traces the evolution of Zimbabwean marriages from traditional pre-colonial customs into the diverse modern practices seen today. Drawing on rich qualitative insights from across urban, rural, and diaspora communities, it explores the shift in traditional ascribed gender roles, and the complex negotiations between persisting tradition and emerging modern influences. These influences include women's empowerment, partner choice, and divorce. It explores changes in childrearing and the dissolution of the extended family networks that once governed marriages and provided mutual support. The book also explores broader societal transformations such as urban migration and westernisation, and the impact of socioeconomic challenges such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, poverty, and economic hardship.
Students and scholars of Zimbabwean history, culture, gender, and the family will find this book essential for understanding the continuities and evolutions of the marriage institution in Zimbabwe.
Contents
1: Introduction to Marriage in Contemporary Zimbabwe 2: Continuances and Discontinuances: An Analysis of Marriages in Colonial and post-colonial urban space in Zimbabwe 3: 'The vagina doesn't get angry': An analysis of the role of contemporary bridal showers in reconstructing and reinforcing traditional gender roles. 4: Impact of child marriages in Zimbabwe: Perspectives from adolescent street girls of the Harare Central Business District 5: Unlocking the Potential of Traditional Chiefs as Catalysts for Ending Child Marriages in Zimbabwe 6: The marriage institution and child delinquency in Zimbabwe 7: Domestic Violence Against Men in Zimbabwe: Experiences from Budiriro 5B, Harare 8: Gender-based violence among married couples in a mainstream church in Harare, Zimbabwe 9: The good, the bad and ugly: Exploring the impact of social media on Zimbabwean marriages 10: Controversies surrounding 'Small houses' in contemporary Zimbabwe. 11: Dissolution of Marriages during Crises: Lessons from the COVID-19 Era in Harare, Zimbabwe. A Case of Harare 12: Multiple Jeopardies at the Interstices of Marriages and Inheritance Issues in Zimbabwe 13: Changing Trends in Marriages and Marriage Life Influenced by Climate Change in post-Fast Track Farms in Zvimba East District 14: Migration and Marriage Dynamics among Zimbabwean Couples: A Study of Migrant Couples and Separated Spouses
