An Alternative to Patriarchal Marriage: Mapoto Unions

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Periodical article

Title:	An Alternative to Patriarchal Marriage: Mapoto Unions
Author:	Muzvidziwa, Victor N.
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Nordic Journal of African Studies
Volume:	11
Issue:	1
Pages:	138-155
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	marriage Women's Issues Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Cultural Roles Marital Relations and Nuptiality
External link:	https://www.njas.fi/njas/article/view/368/351
Abstract:	This article examines new marital forms adopted by women in the growing provincial town of Masvingo in southern Zimbabwe. The study, for which fieldwork was carried out in 1994/1995, shows that many urbanites were turning to alternative marital forms, especially to what is commonly refered to in Zimbabwe as 'mapoto', a loosely structured relation with a man which allows the woman to retain control of her life in terms of decisionmaking. The fluidity of the urban situation made 'mapoto' a viable option. Though one of the advantages of 'mapoto' unions is their ability to operate outside the strictures imposed by tradition or the law, some form of legal recognition of 'mapoto' might be useful in cases where one of the cohabiting partners is seeking legal redress after the breakup of a union. The paper includes a descriptive account of six 'mapoto' women. Bibliogr., note, ref., sum.