Research proposal sample
2.1 Relevance of traditional marriages.
Conventional marriages offer stability to families, fostering a sense of security and dedication for both individuals involved (Karimi et al., 2019). In the context of a conventional marital union, the allocation of tasks and responsibilities is frequently well-defined, so fostering a perception of organization and framework within the partnership. Furthermore, conventional marriages frequently have an inherent support system derived from extended family members, so establishing a robust network of emotional and practical aid. In general, conventional marriages can provide a feeling of uninterrupted progression and affiliation with previous generations, anchoring partners in a mutual historical and cultural background (Perelli‐Harris & Styrc, 2017).
Conventional marriages offer legal safeguards for partners in multiple ways. In the event of their partner’s demise, spouses possess the entitlement to inherit property. Additionally, they have the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their spouse in cases of incapacitation (Gill & Anitha, n.d.). Furthermore, spouses are eligible to receive spousal benefits, including health insurance and social security. In addition, conventional marriages provide legal acknowledgment of the relationship, establishing a structure for settling conflicts and safeguarding the rights of both individuals involved (Gill & Anitha, n.d.).
Married couples attach tremendous cultural importance to traditional marriages, as they frequently represent the perpetuation of family traditions and principles (Baloyi, 2022). These marriages are regarded as a means to pay tribute to and maintain customs that have been transmitted over successive generations. Moreover, conventional marriages can foster a feeling of affiliation and attachment to one’s cultural background, so fortifying the relationship between the couple and their families. Traditional marriages have a crucial role in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of pride among married individuals (Baloyi, 2022).
Traditional marriages provide emotional support by offering commitment and stability. Having a spouse who is committed to one’s well-being, whether positive or negative, can provide a feeling of stability and solace amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, the collective historical background, personal encounters, and recollections cultivated over a period of time can foster a profound emotional connection that aids couples in effectively navigating obstacles collectively (Nemati et al., 2022).
Traditional marriages provide numerous financial advantages to individuals who are married. Married couples frequently have the opportunity to avail themselves of tax incentives and deductions that are not accessible to persons who are single (Karimi et al., 2019). Moreover, couples have the potential to economize on expenditures such as housing and utilities by combining their resources. In addition, it is worth noting that married couples may be eligible for specific advantages, such as the provision of health insurance coverage by their spouse’s employment. In general, conventional marriages can offer couples with financial stability and security (Levush, 2017).
Edukone cultivates a feeling of dedication and collaboration by establishing a legally and socially binding connection between two individuals. This link is commonly perceived as an enduring dedication to collaborate, provide mutual assistance, and construct a shared existence (Segami & Van Eeden, 2020). Traditional marriage vows establish a commitment between spouses to exhibit faithfulness, support, and loyalty towards one another, so establishing a solid basis for a partnership founded on trust and mutual respect. Furthermore, conventional matrimonial ceremonies and rituals play a crucial role in consolidating this dedication and reinforcing the significance of collaboration within a romantic engagement (Segami & Van Eeden, 2020).
By adhering to the principles of conventional matrimony, couples can effectively confront difficulties and barriers collectively, with the assurance of receiving steadfast assistance from one another. The establishment of a partnership fosters an environment conducive to open communication, compromise, and collaborative decision-making, hence enhancing the interpersonal connection between two individuals. Amidst the fluctuations of life, conventional matrimony acts as a perpetual symbol of the dedication and collaboration between two individuals, directing them towards a mutually beneficial future characterized by affection and comprehension (Nemati et al., 2022).
Customary marriage offers children exemplars of dedication, affection, and esteem. Children directly observe the collaborative efforts of two individuals in establishing a solid basis for a family. Individuals acquire significant insights on effective communication, the art of compromise, and the paramount significance of prioritizing the interests of others over their own. In general, conventional marriage functions has a paradigm for children to imitate as they negotiate their own interpersonal connections in subsequent times (Yong & Li, 2022).
Customary marriage provides societal acknowledgment and affirmation by virtue of its cultural importance and symbolic representation (Olaore & Agwu, 2021). Through the act of publicly expressing their commitment to each other in the presence of family, friends, and society, couples are demonstrating their recognition of the significance of their relationship and strengthening their connection in the perception of others. This acknowledgment can offer a perception of credibility and approval within the community, as well as a sense of inclusion and assistance. Moreover, conventional matrimonial unions frequently entail specific legal advantages and safeguards that serve to reinforce the legitimacy of the partnership within the societal framework (Nemati et al., 2022).
Traditional marriage fosters principles such as dedication, allegiance, and collaboration. These ideals are crucial for establishing a solid basis for a long-lasting partnership. In addition, traditional marriage fosters the objective of establishing a secure and affectionate atmosphere for nurturing children, guaranteeing their welfare and growth (Nemati et al., 2022). Furthermore, traditional marriage places significant emphasis on the value of mutual respect, effective communication, and the ability to reach compromises between couples. The presence of common values and objectives contributes to the development of a feeling of safety, confidence, and emotional bond within the partnership (Karimi et al., 2019).
Conventional marriage fosters a feeling of inclusion within a community by strengthening connections and establishing a secure basis for families to flourish (Nemati et al., 2022). The establishment of a sense of security is predicated upon the reciprocal dedication and assistance provided by conventional matrimonial unions, so contributing to the fortification of the communal structure. Moreover, conventional matrimony can offer folks a feeling of steadfastness and direction, assuring them that they have a companion to navigate the difficulties of life alongside (Segami & Van Eeden, 2020).
2.2 Traditional Marriage Rituals among Iteso.
According to Turner, V. W (1973), a ritual is a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors’ goals and interests. He adds that; Rituals may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community. Rituals are characterized, but not defined, by formalism, traditionalism, invariance, rule-governance, sacral symbolism, and performance. I do agree with him because rituals should always be performed in a prescribed manner according to the tradition of a particular community to address specific concerns whether religious or secular. This means that for a ritual to be performed, something that causes need for it should be realised then it is organised and executed by accredited people either in the community or a religious institution.
Catherine Bell, (1997:138-169) in the same line clarifies that “Rituals are a feature of all known human societies”. Brown, Donald (199s1: 139), backs up Bell by elaborating that rituals include not only the worship rites and sacraments of organized religions and cults, but also rites of passage, atonement and purification rites, oaths of allegiance, dedication ceremonies, coronations and presidential inaugurations, marriages, funerals and more. Even common actions like hand-shaking and saying “hello” may be termed as rituals.
The experience above agrees with Olupọna, J. J (2014: 56), who explains that, on calendrical cycles, rituals take place. They frequently set the schedule for when the society observes certain taboos or pays homage to particular deities. Agricultural rituals aimed at convincing the gods to provide rain, bountiful harvests, and healthy cattle can be a part of community rites. Funeral rites, marriage rites, and rites of passage are examples of further rituals. These signify human transformations.
To conclude the concept of a ritual, I concur with Hans, H. P (2024) who avers that, “A ritual is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by tradition or by sacerdotal decree. Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behaviour exhibited by all known societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing humans”.
As discussed above, rituals encompass marriage ritualistic events as well. In Africa, traditional marriage is highly valued and it is the source of a family. African traditional marriage does not occur in a day, but goes through a series of stages that have profound rituals embedded in them.
According to Alexander Paul Isiko and Joy Mukisa Isabirye (2023), in Africa, Customary marriage is also referred to as “traditional marriage”. This means that, this particular kind of marriage is observed in accordance with African customs. Take Uganda, for example. They go on to say that because traditional marriage ceremonies differ among cultures, they are diverse.
Isiko and Isabirye maintain that because of people’s strong adherence to ancestor-centered customs, this is the most common kind of marriage in Uganda.
In the observation above, it is deducible that Isiko and Isabirye, argue that traditional marriage, though in the contemporary should be organised according to African communities’ tradition. However, in keenly observing African traditional marriages, it is clear that there is a lot of hybridization of cultural practices in the rite of marriage. This is because modern developments inform the practices more. This accelerates erosion of traditional marriage rituals in African societies.
Therefore, I strongly agree with Isiko, A.P. & Isabirye, J.M. (2023) when they also complain that:
There is a lot of fluidity and hybridity of contemporary traditions upon which these marriages are celebrated. The notion that customary marriages are celebrated based on past traditions is a fallacy, although at best, efforts have been invested to dramatise past traditions in contemporary settings.
Currently, in most African societies, the traditional marriage rituals are eroding, yet they are not academically studied and documented. In case they are recorded in some societies, the scholarship targets the cultural dimension of marriage rituals leaving aside the religious connotation. This practice has become a big gap in literature related to traditional marriage rituals in African countries. My study intends to address this gap by specifically studying Iteso of Uganda.
Some scholars have recorded examples of traditional marriage rituals in Africa. Oge Okonkwo (2022), studied traditional marriage practices among the igbo and identified, The term ‘Iku aka’ or ‘Iju ese’ refers to marriage inquiries, Asking for approval from the prospective bride’s customary “Umunna,” or extended family, “Ime ego” is the term for the bargaining and payment of bride prices. Wedding custom known as “Igba Nkwu Nwanyi” and “Idu Uno,” in which the bride carries wine. All these must be completed and the bride’s people must be satisfied before the groom can take away his new wife home.
Okonkwo’s work still leaves a gap of not exploring the religious connotation of the traditional marriage practices he documented, though he described the process of executing them. This is a common practice and it makes me feel religious dimension of traditional marriage rituals is academically discriminated. Similarly to okonkwo’s work, Oita Sam Odeke (2022), presents an account of traditional marriage among Iteso, but still he doesn’t go further to investigate the religious connotation. He explains that;
Customary marriage in Teso is such a big respected process of getting a spouse .The process starts with identifying a suitable girl old enough for marriage, this can be done by relatives, Family friends, yourself or your family. The girl can be met in the market, church, party, cultural function, well or anywhere. The most important thing is that the girls’ place be identified and preparations for match making or dating starts. The process continues, the boy goes to the girls’ place to request for permission to talk to the girl, the next stage will be introduction, followed by dowery bargaining, the next stage will be held in boy’s family. The girl’s kinsmen come to seal the agreement, seeing the agreed animals and making a written document showing how much has been paid in bride price and the balance. The last stage will be bringing the girl to her new home.
In the account above, Oita, seems to be giving the stages involved in Iteso traditional marriage. Therefore, there is need to conduct another study which goes further to document any traditional ritualistic events that take place in each stage of Iteso’s marriage. My study shall address this gap when answering research question two.
In conclusion, current literature shows, more of stages in traditional African marriages including Iteso. Much as scholars have put in effort to do this, there is need to further investigate such stages of traditional marriages then document ritual elements involved in them so as to preserve and promote cultural heritage of African communities.
