Inter-Ethnic Marriage: Practices, Roles and Challenges: The case of Dabo Hanna District of Buno Bedele Zone, Oromiya Regional State.

Abstract

Studies reveal that inter-ethnic marriage is practiced among different ethnic groups of the world. In Ethiopia too, the culture of marrying outside of one’s ethnic group existed for generations irrespective of the prevalence of various challenges on inter-ethnic couples and on the very practice itself.The basic purpose of this study was to explore and describe how inter-ethnic marriage is practiced irrespective of the presence of cultural differences, the roles inter-ethnic marriage contributes and the challenges on inter-ethnic marriage practices. The study employed qualitative research approach. In-depth interview, focus group discussion, case study interview and key informant interview were used to collect qualitative data. Two focus group discussion teams, 6 in-depth interview participants, four key informants and two couple of different ethnic backgrounds participated in the study. Thematic analysis and life history narration were employed to analyse and present the data obtained from participants. The findings indicated that to bridge the cultural differences between individuals from different ethnic backgrounds preparing to get married; usually men adopt the culture of their brides, if the bride’s culture encourages paying bride price, the groom is expected to do so. However, Social standings of girls and their parents’ economic positions are identified as important determining factors for potential husbands to fully adopt the culture of their brides. Inter-ethnic marriage plays an immense contribution in the development of trust, tolerance, culture of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among different ethnic groups. However, unpredictable and polarized views and interests among political elites of different ethnic groups are considered as major challenges on the practice of inter-ethnic marriage and inter-ethnic couples. The presence of strong social ties or bonds, which is difficult to breakup, among different ethnic groups in the study area plays significant roles in maintaining the practice of inter-ethnic marriage irrespective of the presence of various challenges