Lobola (Bridewealth) in Contemporary Southern Africa

This volume explores the multiple meanings and implications of lobola in Southern Africa. The payment of lobola (often controversially translated as 'bridewealth') is an entrenched practice in most societies in Southern Africa. Although having a long tradition, of late there have been voices questioning its relevance in contemporary times while others vehemently defend the practice. This book brings together a range of scholars from different academic disciplines, national contexts, institutions, genders, and ethnic backgrounds to debate the relevance of lobola in contemporary southern African communities for gender equality.

Auteur

Lovemore Togarasei is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies (Biblical Studies and African Christianity) at the University of Botswana.

Ezra Chitando is Professor of History and Phenomenology of Religion at the University of Zimbabwe and Regional Coordinator of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy.

Texte du rabat

This volume explores the multiple meanings and implications of lobola in Southern Africa. The payment of lobola (often controversially translated as 'bridewealth') is an entrenched practice in most societies in Southern Africa. Although having a long tradition, of late there have been voices questioning its relevance in contemporary times while others vehemently defend the practice. This book brings together a range of scholars from different academic disciplines, national contexts, institutions, genders, and ethnic backgrounds to debate the relevance of lobola in contemporary southern African communities for gender equality.

Résumé

This volume explores the multiple meanings and implications of lobola in Southern Africa. The payment of lobola (often controversially translated as 'bridewealth') is an entrenched practice in most societies in Southern Africa. Although having a long tradition, of late there have been voices questioning its relevance in contemporary times while others vehemently defend the practice. This book brings together a range of scholars from different academic disciplines, national contexts, institutions, genders, and ethnic backgrounds to debate the relevance of lobola in contemporary southern African communities for gender equality.

Contenu
IntroductionLovemore Togarasei (University of Botswana) and Ezra Chitando (University of Zimbabwe)
Part 1: History of LobolaChapter 1: Bridewealth in Southern Africa: Origin, Functions, Rights, and Gender-based ViolenceJohn Chitakure, The Mexican American Catholic College
Chapter 2: Roora/Lobola: Its language, meaning and function: A keystone of Shona cultureFrancis Matambirofa, University of Zimbabwe
Part 2: Lobola and/in Sacred Texts and LiteratureChapter 3: The Bible and LobolaLovemore Togarasei, University of Botswana
Chapter 4: The Jewish and Shona Perspective of Lobola: A CritiqueFrancis Machingura and Liveson Tatira, University of Zimbabwe
Chapter 5: The biblical and cultural bases for lobola in light of marriage and divorce in the African contextEliot Tofa, University of Eswatini
Chapter 6: Disempowerment of men by men? A comparative analysis of the impact of lobola and the Muslim mahr on masculinity.Edmore Dube, Great Zimbabwe University
Chapter 7: Mari Yedanga Takadya Kare!: Lobola and Femininity of Entrapment in ChiShona LiteratureBeatrice Taringa, Belvedere Teachers' College, Zimbabwe
Part 3: Lobola Practices in Some Southern African CommunitiesChapter 8: Bogadi Practice and the Place of Women in the Botswana SocietyFidelis Nkomazana, University of Botswana
Chapter 9: Lobola: A Paradoxical Token of Appreciation in Modern Day Ndebele CultureSambulo Ndlovu, University of Cape Town
Chapter 10: African Culture, Globalisation and Conformity: A Critical Review of the Vhavena Lumalo Practice in Zimbabwe Silibaziso Mulea, Great Zimbabwe University
Chapter 11: A Critical Assessment of Lobola Marriage Practices in Malawi: Mzimba South Case StudyMastone Mbewe, University of Malawi
Chapter 12: Dynamics of Lobola practices among Vatsonga in ZimbabweMadlome Steyn Khesani, Great Zimbabwe University
Chapter 13: Metaphorical use of mapere (hyenas) in ku-roora (wife acquisition) related practices among the Shona people in ZimbabweBenard Pindukai Humbe and Excellent Chireshe, Great Zimbabwe University
Chapter 14: Commercialisation of Marriage Rites in Contemporary Times: The Discourse of Lobola in the public Sphere in ZambiaNelly Mwale and Joseph Chita, University of Zambia
Chapter 15: Intersection of lobola, intimate partner violence, and love among Karanga Christians in Chivi District, ZimbabweExcellent Chireshe, Great Zimbabwe University
Part 4: Philosophical and Theological Reflections on the Practice of LobolaChapter 16: An inquiry into the value of human life: The lobola perspectiveClive Tendai Zimunya and Chipo Hatendi, University of Zimbabwe
Chapter 17: Contextual African theological interpretation of lobola in the era of globalizationMoji A. Ruele, University of Botswana
Chapter 18: Lobola and Gender Equality: A Theological Hermeneutic ApproachBlazio M. Manobo, Catholic University of Zimbabwe
Part 5: Ir/relevance of Lobola in Contemporary Southern AfricaChapter 19: No to bride price/bride wealth, Yes to rooraNisbert T. Taringa and Godfrey Museka, University of Zimbabwe
Chapter 20: Bride price: a stumbling block to wome...