Perceptions of bride wealth in the 21st century among the urban Agikuyu in Nairobi
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Date
2010Author
Ng'ang'a, Catherine W
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The practice of presenting gifts to the bride's family is one that has gone on for
generations amongst the Agikuyu people. However, the contemporary society has
experienced significant developments which have influenced people's perceptions
regarding it.
The general objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of the urban
Agikuyu regarding bridewealth in the 21st Century. The study sought to determine the
significance of bridewealth, to examine the different forms of bridewealth exchanged
between marriage partners and to examine the changing perceptions as regards
bridewealth.
The study was confined to only the Agikuyu ethnic community and more specifically to
the people living in urban areas. The research targeted 100 respondents who live in
Westlands Division in Nairobi Province. Stratified random sampling was used to select
the individuals. The cross-sectional exploratory research design was employed for the
researcher to delve into the perceptions of the respondents. Both primary and
secondary methods of data collection were used to garner quantitative and qualitative
data. The survey was the main instrument of data collection and the technique made
use of a standard questionnaire with both open and close ended questions. This was
supported by 10 key informant interviews. Documentary materials, through library
research provided secondary data.
The study ascertained that as much as many want to continue to uphold the Agikuyu
tradition for cultural identity, a significant number do not know or understand the root
of the practice nor its value. More or less the same items are asked for as bridewealth
but these are given in the form of money. In addition a growing number of people feel
that they should not ask for it. The -oerceptions on bridewealth are changing due to
factors such as religion and cross-cultural marriages
Sponsorhip
The university of NairobiPublisher
Department of gender