The Dynamics of Bride Price in Zimbabwe and the UK Diaspora

“The dynamics of Bride Price in Zimbabwe and the UK” by Dr. Ottis Mubaiwa makes a significant contribution to the body of literature on contemporary gender issues. This is a well-written, academic stimulating, and informative book. It investigates the bride price phenomenon in multi-dimensional ways by considering the dynamics, not only in terms of continuity and change but also how this age-long traditional practice is presented and represented in Zimbabwe and the diaspora. The original traditional symbolism of bride price and the subsequent commercialization of the practice remain some of the thought-provoking ideas elucidated by the author. The book has the capacity of taking a brilliant African mind back to the root as well as triggers a pressing need to look back enough through a rear mirror, as a requisite for achieving the long-desired future where gender equality is a norm. The book captures the changes that had visited bride price practice as indicators of changes within gender relations in society. The author has shown clearly, how women consciously and unconsciously concede patriarchy by giving in to cultural pressures for tradition’s sake. The ability of the author to put a spin on the relationship between bride price and gender-based violence, especially against married women, is considered a springboard for a plunge into the major scholarly debate that will exercise the minds of gender scholars and Feminists. It is indeed a good read.

Dr Funmilayo Idowu Agbaje

Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, Nigeria

“The Dynamics of Bride Price” presents courageous transnational research data from Zimbabwe and the UK, highlighting a diversity of perceptions of the practice in different contexts across generations from a gendered and feminist perspective. The book argues that although the study findings are not conclusive, Bride Price encourages the commodification of women and thus reinforces the unequal and oppressive relationships between spouses in favour of the husband. This book is of key importance in beginning the process of transforming views on Bride Price and the lives of Zimbabwean women. The transnational nature of its investigation into the traditions of African marriage sets this book apart from existing studies and offers its readers the complications encountered in contemporary understanding of Bride Price across diverse contexts. This original contribution will be of great interest to those studying and teaching courses on Gender and Development, as well as researchers and policymakers of cultural practices.

Dr Maxwell C. C. Musingafi

Programme Coordinator (Development and Peace Studies)

Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe