EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN IN ARRANGED MARRIAGES AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES, IN WAJIR- EAST SUB COUNTY, WAJIR COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study set out to explore experiences of women in arranged marriages and their coping strategies, in Wajir- East Sub-County in Kenya. The study was guided by three research objectives which were to: establish the experiences of women in arranged marriages, examine the coping strategies of women in arranged marriages, and identify appropriate counseling interventions to deal with challenges associated with arranged marriages in Wajir East sub-county. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, specifically phenomenological research design while the social exchange theory developed by sociologist George Homans in 1958 and structural family therapy by Salvador Minuchin in 1960 formed the theoretical framework upon which the study was anchored. The target population of the study was women who were married, widowed or divorced from arranged marriages in Wajir East Sub-County from whom a sample of 40 respondents was drawn using non probability purposive sampling method. Data was collected from respondents using interviews schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The worthiness and credibility of the study instruments was checked by the supervisors and other experts in Psychology. The instruments were certified to be reliable by pilot testing. In addition all informants were subjected to similar interview guide tool which increased reliability. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study showed that, parents of the arranged marriages are more involved in the process than their own children. There are significant incidences of divorce in these marriages. Bad experiences are encountered in the marriages especially violence. The study recommends that parents should involve their daughters in the process and allow them to have more say and independence. Better coping mechanisms should be encouraged in these marriages and better modern methods should be embraced to strengthen these marriages.