As an African hailing from Ghana, my perspectives on marriage and family are firmly grounded in the cultural framework of my native land. Ghana is renowned for its cultural diversity and historical importance. My nation is distinguished by its rich customs and diverse ethnic communities (Obeng-Hinneh, 2019). It has undergone noteworthy societal transformations over time, impacting viewpoints on matrimonial familial dynamics. In this paper, I will delve into the historical and cultural facets of Ghana. I will also examine how these factors have shaped collective beliefs and practices regarding marriage and family. Moreover, I will explore how my encounters, including divorce and a focus on career over remarriage, defy customary cultural standards.
My Cultural Background
The cohabitation of various ethnic communities marks Ghana’s cultural terrain, each bringing distinctive customs and behaviours. In the past, polygamy stood out as a widespread marriage setup in many Ghanaian communities, mirroring cultural standards and the economic dynamics of that era (Bowan, 2013). Nevertheless, over time, there has been an observable transition towards monogamy, echoing a more extensive worldwide pattern. The traditional emphasis on enduring marriages, despite confronting difficulties, was a pervasive cultural convention. Women, frequently exposed to mistreatment, were expected to revisit their marital residences regardless of the obstacles they encountered. This practice has transformed due to increasing awareness and advocacy for women’s rights.
Historical Evolution
For an enhanced grasp of the contemporary viewpoints on marriage and family in Ghana, it is essential to dig into the historical development of communal sentiments. The transition from polygamy to monogamy can be associated with a blend of elements, such as the impact of colonialism, the dissemination of Christian teachings, and the transformation of economic frameworks (Adjei & Mpiani, 2023). While governing bodies in the colonial era implemented new legal structures favouring exclusive marriages, they posed a challenge to prevalent polygynous customs.
The spread of Christianity in Ghana, experiencing a surge during the colonial period, had a noteworthy impact on moulding societal principles. Christian doctrines frequently highlight monogamy as the preferred matrimonial structure, exerting an influence on both individuals and communities. Economic transformations, encompassing transitions from the countryside to increasingly metropolitan and industrialized societies, also played a role in diminishing polygamy as the economic difficulties of supporting multiple households grew more apparent.
The traditional expectation that individuals, especially women, should endure challenging marriages has undergone a noteworthy transformation. In the past, societal pressure compelled abused women to return to their marital homes, perpetuating a cycle of suffering. However, with the rise of awareness about domestic violence and advocacy for women’s rights, there has been a paradigm shift. Contemporary Ghanaian society increasingly recognizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and independence of individuals within the marriage. Legal reforms and the establishment of support systems for victims of domestic violence signify a departure from the historical notion that enduring a marriage, irrespective of the circumstances, is a virtue.
Personal Beliefs and Goals
In the midst of these cultural shifts, my personal experiences and goals diverge from traditional expectations. Having experienced a divorce, my focus has shifted towards my career, and I am content with being single at this juncture of my life. This decision challenges the societal expectation that places a woman’s prestige on her marital status and reinforces the belief that a woman’s primary role is within the confines of a marriage (Adjei & Mpiani, 2023). In my case, my career takes precedence, and I am not rushing into another marriage.
The clash between traditional expectations and my personal choice to prioritize career over remarriage highlights the complexities of navigating cultural norms and individual aspirations. In my culture, there is a deeply ingrained belief that a man should be the primary provider and a woman’s fulfilment is often associated with her role within the family unit (Adjei & Mpiani, 2023). My decision to focus on my career challenges these gendered expectations. I insist on the importance of personal agency and the pursuit of individual goals. While we have made significant strides towards more progressive views on marriage and family, there remains a spectrum of beliefs and practices. The tension between traditional expectations and individual choices underscores the ongoing negotiation between cultural norms and the evolving landscape of personal autonomy.
In conclusion, the cultural and historical backdrop of Ghana plays a pivotal role in moulding perspectives on marriage and familial dynamics. The shift from polygamy to monogamy mirrors the intricate nature of societal transformation. However, the clash between traditional expectations and my personal choice to prioritize career over remarriage underscores the persistent tension between cultural norms and personal autonomy. As we persist in navigating these intricacies, it is imperative to recognize the diversity of beliefs within the nation. The intersection of culture and individual convictions in the domain of matrimony and family endures as a dynamic and evolving terrain. Ongoing dialogues between tradition and progress, collective anticipations, and individual aspirations characterize it.
References
Adjei, S. B., & Mpiani, A. (2023). Decolonizing Mind and Being Associated with Marriage: Perspectives from Ghana. Psychology and Developing Societies, 35(1), 87-109. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen-Adjei/publication/368840476_Decolonising_mind_and_being_associated_with_marriage_Perspectives_from_Ghana/links/64a3293e95bbbe0c6e0e09ff/Decolonising-Mind-and-Being-Associated-with-Marriage-Perspectives-from-Ghana.pdf
Bowan, L. (2013). Polygamy and patriarchy: An intimate look at marriage in Ghana through a human rights lens. Contemporary Journal of African Studies, 1(2), 45–64. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/EJC147094
Obeng-Hinneh, R. (2019). Negotiating entry into marriage: Strategies of Ghanaian women in ‘marriage-like partnerships. Ghana Social Science Journal, 16(1), 54-71. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rosemary-Obeng-Hinneh/publication/370943968_NEGOTIATING_ENTRY_INTO_MARRIAGE_STRATEGIES_OF_GHANAIAN_WOMEN_IN_’MARRIAGE-LIKE’_PARTNERSHIPS/links/646b7617ce39a956fbcff657/NEGOTIATING-ENTRY-INTO-MARRIAGE-STRATEGIES-OF-GHANAIAN-WOMEN-IN-MARRIAGE-LIKE-PARTNERSHIPS.pdf
write