| dc.description.abstract | The main aim of this study is to explore the changing gender roles among the Somali
women of Garissa County. Gender roles are the cultural expectations of men and women
in a particular society. Gender roles include expectations about the “natural” abilities of
men and women, the occupations considered suitable for each sex, differences in
temperament and personality. The study reviewed literature on factors influencing gender
roles, the effect of change in gender roles and the effect of changing roles in household
management and theoretical framework. This study was based on a descriptive study
primarily using qualitative analysis. The target population was a total of 60 households
since it research being done on the same community. The researcher used simple random
sampling in order to acquire the required sample. The researcher used questionnaires with
both structured and semi-structured questions in data collection. The questionnaires was
then delivered personally and with the help of four assistants who are trained on how to
use it. The data collected was analyzed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. The findings also show that the changes and
flexibility in gender roles which are being evident today has its roots in the changing
social structure. Economic factors, advancement in sciences and changed value system.
The findings has also brought about the fact that previously in the family system there
was a clear-cut division of responsibilities or duties with women looking after the
domestic matters and the men taking charge of out of home and financial matters. The
study concludes that changing roles to accommodate the social or professional pressures
has become a common phenomenon. Women are now taking the main role in domestic
decision-making and working in whatever way they can to provide an income for their
families. | en_US |
