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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The emergence of the 'stranger-permit marriage' and other new forces of conjugal union in rural Sierra Leone |
Authors: | Harrel-Bond, Barbara Rijnsdorp, Ulrica |
Year: | 1975 |
Periodical: | Africana Research Bulletin |
Volume: | 6 |
Issue: | 4 |
Pages: | 6-43 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Sierra Leone |
Subjects: | marriage law rural women |
Abstract: | The authors examine critically some new forms of conjugal union emerging in rural Sierra Leone as a response to socio-economic change. Radical changes brought about by the development of a money economy and the process of urbanisation have created new opportunities for women to become relatively independent socially as well as financially. This leads to alterations which clash with the customary rights and obligations of a wife and husband. The alterations appear to be gaining recognition and are becoming institutionalised. New forms of conjugal union - e.g. 'stranger-permit' marriage, 'caretaker' marriage, 'debtor-creditor' marriage - by and large appear to be advantageous to women socially, financially, and to some extent legally. Although, certain customary practices still remain diehard. Notes. |