Attitudes of black married men towards the changing roles and status of women

Abstract

This is an exploratory study of the attitudes of black married men in Mmabatho towards the changing roles and status of women. It includes a literature review and an empirical study where 60 men (N= 60) of ages 20 to 65 and above were randomly sampled. It was found in this study that most black married men were likely to be traditional and domineering in marital relationships. Further it was found that the roles and status of women are constantly changing irrespective of resistance from husbands. It was also established that Batswana men tend to retain their traditional and domineering values which are in conflict with those of their westernized wives. The study further explored factors such as unfavourable attitudes in marriages and how frequently black married men engage in marital discord caused by the changing roles and status of women. The results further indicate that: *Most black married men are conscious of the changing roles and status of women. *The majority of black married men irrespective of their level of education still abide by traditional rules and resent the changing roles and status of women. *Newly married black men as well as those who have been in marriage for several years experience marital conflict. *Unfavourable attitudes are not the only cause of marital conflict. Other factors such as friends and social life contribute to marital conflict and unhappiness.