The Social and Spiritual Challenges Of Premarital Pregnancies in Rural Parishes: A Case Study in Usseri Parish, Moshi-Tanzania
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Date
2004-01
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
This study examines the social and spiritual challenges of premarital
pregnancies in rural parishes, with specific reference to Usseri Parish, which is in the
rural areas of Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. The study was pressed by the fact
that there are some mothers who take their babies to the church for baptism, and when
they are asked to name the fathers of their babies, some reply, Hana baba (to mean that
the baby has no father). According to the language of Usseri, this expression can also
mean that the mother is not married. What then does this imply?
The reality of a child without the father is an implication of a child outside
marriage, or Mwana wa rikoni in the language of Usseri. This testifies that premarital
sex is a reality in the society, which leads to premarital pregnancy, which results into
Mwana wa rikoni, and this brings the hesitation of revealing the father. As a matter of
fact, the father of the baby is not completely unknown. He may be known by the mother
alone, but she hesitates or becomes afraid to disclose him. This hesitation is an
indication that there are some challenges associated with premarital pregnancies. This
reality is increasing day by day in many places, including in the rural areas like Usseri.
Thus, the aim of the study is to find out if the people of Usseri are aware of
premarital pregnancy as a social and spiritual challenge. We will do so by examining
the causes and effects, and find out if there has been any effort to address this issue. We
will also look at mass communication and values in relation to this matter, the teachings
of the church, and finally we will offer some suggestions for future pastoral plans.
To achieve the intended goal, the research will include interviews, observation
and questionnaires as a primary approach, and library sources as our secondary
methods. The data collected will be analysed and interpreted with the use of descriptive
statistics and qualitative methods.
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Keywords
Social and Spiritual Challenges, Premarital Pregnancies, Rural Parishes