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social expectations of women (docile, dependent, vulnerable and dominated by men). I wonder though if we know the sexual orientation of all the respondents???
• Other key points/ observations to consider:
o Marriage is more important and valuable when compared to cohabitation o The role of tradition and religion in influencing marriage desires
o The domestic responsibilities of females, their upbringing and marriage desire in this context o Attitudes toward marriage and ideas/ideals about marriage
o Is love a factor when considering marriage?
o Marriage implications for an educated female o Ideas and ideals about prospective marital partners
9.2. Notes by Cordelia Liesegang submitted October 2016
Ms Liesegang based her key findings notes from an analyses of audio recording of the participant interviews (30 interviews). The following emerging themes/ finding were highlighted:
Religious perspectives seem to blur or influence the participants’ interpretation of marriage and also their expectation for marriage in the future. In fact, it somewhat makes them seem a bit confused. For example, there is a respondent who did not desire marriage, but once you asked her about the influence of religion and tradition in her upbringing, she then stated that she may marry because if it was God’s will. The impact of religion is distinct, to the point that there are some respondents who were not in (romantic) relationships, and were not even exposing themselves to relationship because of their religious beliefs. I find that quite interesting, because before you can marry someone, you need to be in a relationship with them.
Lobola was not a strong enough factor in dissuading or inhibiting marriage, she participants seem to have factored that in already. They want partners who are able to afford similar lifestyles to those they aspire to.
• I also noticed that they seem to believe (and quite strongly) that marriage would limit their ability, or flexibility to achieve their goals.
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• Socio-economic factors were another element that had a strong influence on the participants’
perceptions/ attitudes and aspirations. They wanted to be able to look after themselves, but not through marriage. They wanted to achieve great things on their own. I think the strongest influences to the attitudes reflected by the women in your study, are religion and their desire for personal achievement.
• How interesting is it, that none of the women spoke of marriage in a romantic way? The romantic ideal of marriage is practically non-existent; they’ve constructed marriage along the social construct model which views marriage as a function of reproduction, socialisation and stability. Even the attributes they listed for future partners were along the same social construct lines (finance, family, the right thing to do). None seem to view marriage as a union of two individuals that love each other, who want to and are committed to making a life together. It seems that they don’t view marriage as something you do for love. Marriage was not for love – that’s the perception I pick up from these women.
• Regarding premarital childbearing, appeared to be goal orientated and ambitious were open to the idea and accepting that it happens. It doesn’t seem that it’s what they want themselves, but they are understanding and sympathetic to someone who may make such a choice. Women who held a little bit more traditional view, didn’t seem as open to it. I think the views around premarital childbearing are pretty common, nothing new.
9.3. Notes by Nqobile Bundwini submitted October 2016
Ms Bundwini analysed a sample of five audio interview (Thandi, Lihle, Sphesihle, Lungi and Lazola); she highlighted the following point/ emerging themes.
• Aspirations or “life goals” tend to be about education, and career-focused.
• Family aspirations are usually mentioned as life goals afterwards or as a second thought, in an instance even only after probing.
• Self-sustenance (ability to take care of oneself as a woman) is a measure of success.
• Most of the women come from semi-traditionalist families, in that the families prefer things done according to conservative cultures, but can accept when that doesn’t always happen.
• Tradition tends to influence behaviour.
• Religion also influences behaviour.
• Some participants seem to be moving away from traditions such as lobola, but others lobola is viewed as a gift in appreciation.
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• Marriage is considered an equality thing: mutual respect and footing; men dominating women in marriage is viewed negatively.
• Marriage is viewed positively. In general, marriage is still valued, but the belief is that general society values marriage less than previously.
• Marriage is valued for the benefit of children.
• Marriage seen as belonging.
• Singleness is viewed negatively.
• Finances are usually seen as a barrier to getting married. i.e. not enough money.
• Characteristics hoped for in a partner tend to be more personality-focused (“he should be loving”) as opposed to material-focused (“he should make x amount of money”), even though the question was not led in that way.
• Upbringing tends to be centered around how to be or not to be towards elders, or men (as opposed to personality or educational-focused).
• Generally, increased financial dependence in women leads to decreased value in marriage. Less financial independence makes women value marriage more.
• Choices not to marry seem to be influenced by negative experiences or observations, rather than potentially positive aspects of singleness. i.e. push rather than pull factors.
• The more rural men are, the more they seem to be perceived as dictators in a marriage.
• Higher education leads to more freedom of speech, independence, control among women. Can be viewed negatively by men. Men tend to be intimidated.
• Belief is that submission to a man is considered “respectful” by men and elders.
• Marriage is viewed as a compromise on control.
• Premarital child bearing (PMCB) in general increases a woman’s desire for marriage, but decreases likelihood of being married by other men.
• PMCB not frowned upon by participants, but frowned upon by their families.
• PMCB is not encouraged, but is accepted.
• Opinions of PMCB change towards the negative after a woman has the child. Importance of both parents is realised.
• Generally, PMCB increases desire for father of child to marry the woman.
• Generally, PMCB increases desire for the family of the father of child to marry the woman.
• PMCB tends not to decrease the desire for women to have more children.
• Having children is viewed as an extension of companionship. Creating a link between the couple.
• Relationships are valued and desired (by the participants) regardless of financial independence or education level.
• However, participants believe that society in general has more women and men not valuing or desiring relationships as much as previously.
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