The Impact of External Institutions on Kuria Marriages in Tanzania

Abstract

This article provides an ethnographic attention to the interface between traditional Kuria marriages, socio-economic changes, and consequences of interventions by institutions of the state, foreign religions and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) explicating themes of agency and lineage perpetuation. Attention is paid to continuities and changes happening in the described relationships, and how the changing market economy and new forms of economic interaction in Tarime District have given some women access to wealth, thereby enabling them to arrange their marriages. Additionally, other forms of marriage that are prohibited by law and religious institutions, such as marriage of young daughters still continue, and unmarried daughters continue to experience structural control. Overall, the current article points to the fact that, despite adopting foreign beliefs such as Christianity and Islam, Kuria tradition still plays a key role as a way of life.