Abstract:
This study set out to explore experiences of women in arranged marriages and their coping
strategies, in Wajir- East Sub-County in Kenya. The study was guided by the research which
stated as: what are the experiences of women in arranged marriages, in Wajir East SubCounty in Kenya? The study adopted a phenomenological research design while the social
exchange theory developed by sociologist George Homans in 1958 and structural family
therapy by Salvador Minuchin in 1960 formed the theoretical framework upon which the
study was anchored. The target population of the study was married, widowed and divorced
women in Wajir East Sub-County from whom a sample of 40 respondents was drawn using
non probability purposive sampling method. Data was collected from respondents using
interviews schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The worthiness and credibility of the
study instruments was checked by the supervisors and other experts in Psychology. Data was
analyzed thematically. The findings of the study show that, parents of the arranged marriages
are more involved in the process that their own children. There are significant incidences of
divorce in these marriages. Bad experiences are encountered in the marriages especially
violence. The study recommends that parents should involve their daughters in the process
and allow them more say and independence. Better coping mechanisms should be
encouraged in these marriages and better modern methods should be embraced to strengthen
these marriages.
