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Trapped by Tradition and Circumstance: Socioeconomic and Cultural Determinants of Staying in Abusive Marriages Among Catholic Women in Nairobi

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Kimani Gitao

    (Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya)

  • Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari (Ph.D)

    (Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya)

  • Dr. Elijah Macharia Ndung’u (Ph.D)

    (Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya)

Abstract

Background: Marital abuse remains a pervasive challenge among married Catholic women, shaped by complex intersections of socioeconomic, cultural, and religious factors. Objective: This study investigated determinants influencing women’s decisions to remain in abusive marriages within the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, with particular focus on economic pressures, cultural expectations, and coping strategies. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 182 women meeting the CASR-SF threshold for abuse severity and 28 key informant interviews with priests. Quantitative analysis used Mann–Whitney U tests to assess relationships between economic/cultural factors and abuse severity, while qualitative thematic analysis explored lived experiences. Key Results: Economic concerns, particularly child support obligations, and cultural expectations, such as dowry obligations and gender roles, significantly influenced women’s decisions to remain in abusive marriages. Women reporting these pressures experienced higher abuse severity (p

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Kimani Gitao & Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari (Ph.D) & Dr. Elijah Macharia Ndung’u (Ph.D), 2025. "Trapped by Tradition and Circumstance: Socioeconomic and Cultural Determinants of Staying in Abusive Marriages Among Catholic Women in Nairobi," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 4038-4055, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:4038-4055
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