The effects of alcohol abuse in the family institution in Eldoret : A case study of Kenya service Slums in Eldoret Town

Abstract

Alcohol abuse in the family institution becomes one major concern if the society is to deal with the family dysfunction in the contemporary society. As sociologist media government nongovernmental organization and other key players in family issues continue to search for the solution to the problem the study on effects of alcohol abuse in the family institution become an important area of focus.

The objective to this study was to; examine the effects of alcohol abuse on violence in the family; to determine effects of alcohol abuse on family breakups; to determine effects of alcohol abuse on unfaithfulness in the family and to investigate the effects of alcohol abuse on family poverty. The study was conducted in Kenya service slum in Eldoret.

The study was based on structural functionalism theory developed by a French sociologist Emille Durkheim (1858-1917) and Herbert Spencer (1820-903). Stratified random technique was used to obtain a representative sample in the area of study. 50 respondents were selected randomly from the sample population and only adults were considered for interviews and filling of questionnaire both men and women participated in the exercise.

The study findings revealed that alcohol has negative effects on the individual and the family as a whole with its effects being felt with both spouses and children who bear the consequences. Alcohol remain the cause of violence felt by children within the family and also between spouses themselves it also plays a key role in unfaithfulness and family breakups that are on the rampant. Alcohol also has a major effect on poverty in the family.

In particular this study will be of benefit to all stake holders whose concerns are geared towards stabilizing the family institution. The issues raised in this study will help the in strategic planning to come up with useful suggestion and valid policy concerns that are sustainable.