The Interplay among the ‘Small House', African Heritage And Gender Rights for Societal Development

Abstract

The family is central to development in all societies.  However, changes in the family structures, including the emergence of the ‘small house’ (SH), have brought uncertainties on this role. This qualitative case study, embedded in Liberal Feminism and Ubuntu Theories thus sought the views of four of each of marriage officers, probation officers, educators, opinion leaders and members in ‘SH’ relationships about its impact on gender rights and socio-economic development in Zimbabwe through interviews. Participants were selected equitably as argued by gender. Focus Group Discussions were held with 12 university students. Thematic analysis indicates that the SH in its current form is impacting the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe negatively since it is gender blind, does not foster the Ubuntu concept of reverence for the first wife, disregards the rights of females, negatively encroaches into education of children, exposes siblings to possible incest, reduces family unity, promotes jealous among siblings and wives, exposes partners to health problems, leads to estate sharing wrangles and emotional trauma among the partners. The study recommends the classical vision of polygamy to restore trust among partners and for the concerned families to work towards agreed goals. Also, the SH should be discussed openly to encourage society to accept it.