Introduction

Traditionally, in the African set-up, marriage was seen as an important bond, bringing two families together. Boundaries were put in place to govern respect. But currently, there seems to be a shift from the boundaries that were put in place in communities. Marriage is seen to be an institution of a very close relationship without boundaries.

Traditional Parents–Children–in–law Relationship

Traditionally, when one settled in marriage, social boundaries were set up automatically between the parents-in-law and the children-in-laws. Elder Herbert Jumba, one of the Luhya Council of Elders member points out that some of the boundaries that were to be found among the Luhya community of Western Kenya were as follows: the son-in-law was completely barred from shaking hands with the mother-in-law. Whenever they could come in contact with each other, the mother-in-law was to ensure that it never happened. In case the son-in-law would greet his mother in-law in hand, then cleansing was to be done. This was a sign of respect that made the marriage last long. Also, it was a taboo for the son-in-law to visit his parents-in-law without notice. It was more dangerous for him to spend a night at the parents in- laws roof. Parents-in-laws home was considered as a place of honor; the son-in-law was never to let his nakedness be witnessed there. Elder Jumba also notes that it was a taboo for the father-in-law to look at his daughter-in-law legs unless he fell into temptation. It was also a taboo for the daughter-in-law to step her feet at the bedroom of her parents-in-law. And that dowry was a must to be honored.

The Shift

Currently, most of the boundaries that determined the strength of marriage are no longer observed. Nowadays, most of the families welcome their son–in–laws without any hindrances. Many mother-in-laws have accepted their son-in-laws to be close to them thus, shaking hands is not a big deal. Also, daughter-in-laws, daughters lose to their father-in-laws and that dowry payment is a thing to consider through negotiation, whereas many families are actually not putting pressure on it at all.  Many changes are being experienced in the marriage institution currently.

Why the Change

This change is a result of several factors, which include the following: modern education, which has brought in a new aspect of viewing things. Modern civilization that is correcting the traditional perspectives in Africa and the urbanization which brings different communities together away from the mostly one community life affairs.

Conclusion

Marriage as an institution in Africa is experiencing a change from traditional boundaries that have kept the institution strong. There is still room to balance between the traditional boundaries between the parents’ in-laws and children-in-laws.