The Influence of Selfhelp Groups in Enhancing Social Integration and Decision Making among the Widows in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.55.4480Keywords:
Selfhelf groups, Widows, Social integration, Decision making, Kenya.Abstract
The challenges of widowhood continues to be alarming worldwide with the number of widows increasing globally. Widows comprise a significant proportion of 7% to 16% of of all adult women populations. The ratio of widows to that of widowers is as high as 4:1. While the loss of a spouse precipitates disruption of the family, its consequences are not the same for men and women. The widows face social and economic challenges such as loss of income, inheritance of property, participation in social activities and decision making in the family. This paper examines the social challenges with restriction itself to social integration and decision making pointing out the benefits of group participation.The paper is based on the findings of a study carried out among the widows in Kenya.Grounded on social exchange theory by Peter Blau, Social Network theory and the theory of Redefinition of a situation by William Thomas, the study found out that there are more young widows below fourty five years (56%) than older ones. Most (77%) of the widows however belonged and participated in self help groups which had been beneficial, At least 23% did not belong to any group missing out on opportunities. Those in self help groups felt more integrated into the community through participating in projects such as planting trees, attending trainings organized by the groups, visiting one another and selling and buying on behalf of their groups.Their self esteem improved and they could make decisions on behalf of the family. However, it was observed that leadership of the groups is wanting thus needful to equip them with leadership skills. The paper recommends training opportunities by the government, religious organizations and other stakeholders to create awareness on the social integration and encourage all widows to participate.
References
References
Mathews, M. (1991). The relationship between support and morale: Comparisons of the widowed and never married in later life. Canadian Journal of Community, 10, 47-63.
Martha, C. (2000). Perpetual mourning: Widowhood in rural India.New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Global Widow's Report (2015). A global overview of deprivation faced by widows and their children.
World's Women 2000, (2001). United Nations Publication on the Rights of Women.United Nations
Ambasa, S. ( 2004). Widowhood in the era of HIV/AIDS. A Study Carried Out in Siaya District: Kenya.
Nelly, M. (2004).The changes affecting widows in Taita Taveta.Unpublished Masters Thesis, University of Nairobi.
Ondieki, R. (2004). The challenges facing single mothers in Siaya District.Unpublished Masters Thesis, University of Nairobi.
World Bank, (2004). Gender and law. Africa Region Available, Findings No 126.
Marris, P. (1958).Widows and their families. Routledge and Kegan: London.
Owen, M. (1996).A world of widows. New Jersey:Zed Books
Lopata, H. Z. (1973). Widowhood in an American city. Schenkman Publishing Co.: Cambridge
Oboler, R.S. (1982). Women, men, property and change in Nandi District. A Ph D. dissertation submitted to the Temple University Graduate School.
Mbithi, P. (1974). Harambee self - help:the kenyan approach in rural sociology and rural development, Nairobi: Macmillian.
Ncube, W. (1989). Defending and protecting gender equality and the family under a decidedly undecided constitution in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Law Review
Gray, L.,&Kevane, M. (2000). Diminished access, diverted exclusion:Women and land tenure in Subsaharan Africa. African Studies Review 42 (September 2000)
Ntozi, J. (1997). Widowhood, remarriage and migration during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda. Department of Population Studies. Health Transition Review, 7(1), 125-144.
World Council of Churches, (2009). The role of the church in poverty alleviation.Council of Churches.
Morgan, L.A. (1986). The financial experience of widowed women. Evidence from Longitutinal Retirement History Survey. The Gerontologist, 26(6), 663-668. doi:10.1093/geront/26.6.663
IFAD, (2001).The impact of new credit and savings opportunities for women. Rome: Italy.
Mizruchi, M. (1991). Urgency, Motivation, and Group dynamics. Social Psychology Quartely, 1991, 54. 184-189.
Ritzer, G. (2008). Sociological Theory. McGraw Hill: New York
Granovetter, M. (1983). The Strenght of Weak Ties. A Network Theory Revisited:Sociological Theory 1; 201-233
.
Internet sources
(http://www.ifad.org/gender/learning/project/part/asia_empower.htm)
Print sources
Daily Nation Newspaper 26th April 2010
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors wishing to include figures, tables, or text passages that have already been published elsewhere are required to obtain permission from the copyright owner(s) for both the print and online format and to include evidence that such permission has been granted when submitting their papers. Any material received without such evidence will be assumed to originate from the authors.