Factors contributing to marital conflicts in christian marriage today: A case study of Archer's Post Community

Abstract

ABSTRACT. TITLE: FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MARITAL CONFLICTS IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGES TODAY: A CASE STUDY OF ARCHERS’S POST COMMUNITY AUTHOR: PETER NJUKUNYE LESEKETETI In our contemporary society, marital conflicts are escalating at a very high rate; it is taking a steadily increasing rate within Archer's Post Christian community, Samburu County. There is a robust growing rate of dysfunctional and divorced marriages within the community of Archer's Post. The purpose of this study was to investigate the main factors that contribute to the marital conflicts in Archer's Post today. The research established that marital conflicts are escalating at a very high rate, with an average of 33% of the affected families. The research found that very few marriages are fairly progressing well without serious marital conflicts. Many marriages are experiencing rapid disintegration and therefore end up affecting the family unit. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the conflicts facing marital life today in Archer's Post Christian community. Second; was to explore the nature of conflicts affecting marriage life in Archer's Post. Thirdly, to seek some possible solutions to manage and stabilize the conflicts affecting the families. The research was guided by several research questions given to different respondents. The findings of the research vividly revealed the factors that lead to marital a conflict, that's financial mismanagement, infidelity, alcoholism, disrespect, and peer influence, children, In-laws and sex. The research was well informed by Casuistry theory which dates back to Aristotle and Cicero and later propounded by Blaise Pascal and others, which states a specific method of doing ethics that relies on the analysis of individual cases, exploring them in relation to paradigm cases and broad principles. The researcher used the casuistry theory on the situation of Archer's Post community which is barred by pervasive marital conflicts due to financial constraints in the family. The research further indicates that many couples in their marriage life no longer embrace the Christian values of marriage and severely lacks financial managerial skills. Love which is the foundation of marriage is quickly diminishing away, and being replaced by material needs and personal whims. The target population of this study comprised of 300 marriages of which 100 were affected with marital conflicts which constitute 33% of the affected families. The research was sampled through stratified sampling and questionnaires which were distributed to several respondents including; the D.O, Ward administrator, Area Chief, Religious leaders, Police Office and members of the affected marriages. The research had captured literature review with consultation from major authorities in the field of marriage. The research implored the following research methods to collect data; Questionnaires, interviews, historical, observation, survey, correlation and case study. The Mata was analyzed quantitatively using a 5-point Likert scale. The researcher recommends for further studies on financial and stress management skills, Family finance, and establishment of friendly centers for marriage counselling and encounter groups within religious organization.