Research Article
Open Access
Excavating the Contemporary Moral Implications of Exorbitant Kaa( Bride Price) on Mumuye Women of Taraba State,North – East, Nigeria
Abstract
Exorbitant kaa (bride price), a deeply ingrained cultural practice in some Nigerian societies, including the Mumuye people of Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria, has significant moral implications for women. The practice involves paying a substantial amount of money or goods to the bride's family in exchange for her hand in marriage. While intended to strengthen family ties and demonstrate commitment, exorbitant bride prices can have far-reaching consequences. The study made use of a qualitative research approach, which involved the use of data from primary and secondary sources. The study unveils that, specifically, high bride prices can lead to financial strain on the groom's family, potentially resulting in debt and economic instability. Moreover, treating women as commodities can erode their dignity and autonomy, reducing them to mere objects of exchange. This practice also perpetuates patriarchal norms, reinforcing the notion that women are subordinate to men, and can limit women's access to education and employment opportunities. To investigate these implications, a qualitative research approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with Mumuye women and focus group discussions with community leaders. The study reveals that addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including education and awareness campaigns to shift cultural attitudes, legislative measures to regulate bride prices and prevent exploitation, and initiatives to promote women's economic empowerment and autonomy, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society for all.
Keywords
Contemporary, Exorbitant, Kaa, Mumuye, Woman
References
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Uchendu, Victor. The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1995. Print.
Walby, Sylvia. Theorizing Patriarchy. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990. Print.
Braun, Virginia, and Victoria Clarke. "Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology." Qualitative Research in Psychology 3.2 (2006): 77-101. Print.
Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, 2014. Print.
Dong, Peter Marubitoba, and Rudanyuba Alphonsus Isa, eds. Excavating the Mumuye Heritage on Family Buildings and Ethics. Jos: Nigeria Bible Translation Trust, 2004. Print.
Dong, Peter Marubitoba, et al. The Mumuye Contemporary History and Culture. Jos: Nigeria Bible Translation Trust, 2001. Print.
Fairchild, James. Dictionary of Philosophy and Religion. New York: Philosophical Library, 1970. Print.
Goroba, Abraham. "Glance At Mumuye Traditional Marriage." Ruban Magazine 1.1 (2018): 16. Print.
Guest, Greg, Arwen Bunce, and Laura Johnson. "How Many Interviews Are Enough? An Experiment with Data Saturation and Variability." Field Methods 18.1 (2006): 59-82. Print.
Hornby, A. S. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 8th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.
Magesa, Laurenti. African Religion: The Moral Traditions of Abundant Life. Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa, 1997. Print.
Mbiti, John S. African Religions and Philosophy. Nairobi: Heinemann Books, 1969. Print.
Nguemo, Dorathy Afaor. "The Significance of 'Kem' (Bride Price) Among the Tiv." African Religion in Modern Scholarship. Ed. S.D. Shishima. Jos: National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, 2012. 96-112. Print.
Nwosu, C. "Bride Price, Education, and Women's Autonomy in Nigeria." African Journal of Gender Studies 4.2 (2010): 45-67. Print.
Nyabun, Mathias. Hidden Treasures of the Mumuye People: Mika Clan Perspective. Jalingo: Matty Press, 2014. Print.
Okonkwo, E. "Bride Price and Domestic Violence in Nigeria." Journal of African Studies 5.3 (2012): 89-102. Print.
Pamu, Augustine, and Hosea Nakina Martins. "The Refund of Bride Price (Kaa sooreni/ shing nwasi Pasa) Among the Mumuye People of Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria: A Catalyst for the Promotion of Sexual Promiscuity in Contemporary Times." Jalingo Journal of African Studies 8.1-2 (2008): 125-140. Print.
Uchendu, Victor. The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1995. Print.
Walby, Sylvia. Theorizing Patriarchy. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990. Print.