Gender differential effects of challenges facing marriages involving people with disabilities with their able-bodied partners in Kiandutu Slums, Thika Town, Kenya
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Date
2015-09
Authors
Indoshi, Harriet Voywa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study was carried out with the primary aim of unearthing the unique challenges
facing couples in unions involving people with disabilities married to able-bodied
spouses. The study also sought to find out the gender differential effects of these
challenges. The rationale for this was so as to salvage mixed marriages from
collapsing by addressing the unique challenges that they faced. In this manner, the
study acknowledged the importance of marriages as the foundation pillars for stable
and functioning families. In as much as the government, NGOs, religious institutions
and other stake holders have made significant efforts in addressing challenges facing
PWDs, no specific attention has been directed to those in mixed marriages with the
aim of helping the marriages stabilize. The research design adopted was case study.
The study sampled 17 people with visual disabilities, 8 people with physical
handicap and 20 able-bodied people married to PWDs. The theoretical framework
adopted was a merger of Sen's Capability Approach, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
theory and the Social Model of Disability. Purposive and snowball sampling were
used. Purposive sampling targeted the intended participants who had the information
needed since they were the ones affected. The instruments employed in the research
were the Interview Schedules, Observation Checklists and Focused Group
Discussions. The main conclusion drawn from the research was that couples in
mixed marriages experienced complex and unique challenges mainly because of the
disability status of one of the spouses. These couples were in dire need of
specialized guidance and counseling amid other intervention measures so as to save
their marriages from collapsing. The married women with disabilities were doubly
disadvantaged on account of their gender and disability status hence effort should be
placed especially so as to protect them from abusive marriages. Couples in mixed
marriages and those preparing to get into such unions need to be enlightened through
seminars and counseling classes on how to sustain and lead happy marriage lives
despite the challenges encountered. As part of suggestions to further study, a
comparative study should be done between mixed marriages and marriages
involving PWDs married to PWDs.
Description
A research thesis submitted to the school of humanities and social science in partial fulfilment of-the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) of Kenyatta University. September, 2015