A Comparative study of Christian and Traditional Parenting among the Abagusii of Kenya

Abstract

The nature of parenting globally is not only the cause of many society’s ills but also a key to unlock positive change that determines the quality of the community. This is the case within traditional Gusii community, where parenting was not practiced casually, but as a life cycle process with a systematically structured programme. Unlike in the Christian where empowerment of parents is minimal and without a systematically structured programme. The purpose of this study was to compare the teachings and practices of parenting among the Christian and traditional Gusii community, to understand why there is increased anti-social ills. The goal was to develop a wholistic strategy for quality parenting aimed at reducing anti-social ills in Gusii community. The reseach objectives were:- First, to analyse Proverbs 1:8-19 that deals with parental instruction as a basis for the Christian teaching and practices and how it relates to the traditional Gusii teaching and practices on parenting. Second, to compare the teaching and practices of parenting among the Christian and traditional Gusii community. Third, To examine the factors that affects parenting in the present Gusii community. Lastly, To develop wholistic strategy for quality parenting among the Abagusii community of Kenya.. The study employed social learning theory. The study approach was twofold. First, Proverbs 1:8-19 applied traditional-historical method of Biblical interpretation. Secondly the study adopted qualitative approach, using qualitative interview schedule. Purposive sampling was used to indentify the ten participants distributed as follows: 4 ordinary Church members, 2 office bearers and 4 senior citizens in Gusii community. Data analysis was guided by themes which sought to identify the interrelatedness and connectivity of the data with the research objectives. The study found out first, in Proverbs 1:8-19 that the parental instructions used at home were systematically structured, aimed at empowering the youth that can relate well with the other members of the community. Second, from the participants narratives, traditional Gusii community teaching on parenting was communal, a life cycle process and systematically structured. While the Christian teaching on parenting seems to be individualistic and without a systematically structured programme. In conclusion the parenting style revealed both in Proverbs and traditional Gusii community that should be embraced by the Christian for quality parenting is the authoritative parenting style. Six recommendations emerged from the study. First, the study of Proverbs 1:8-19 reveals that the church should consider to adopt and adapt the worldview of the parental instructions in Proverbs. Second, the church to consider parenting as a communal responsibility. Third, the church to develop a systematic programme for empowering parents. Fourth, the church to develop an alternative rite of passage with the purpose of empowering the youth who are potential parents with parenting skills. Fifth, the church to act as a moral agent that can hold the government and other agencies accountable to child care and protection. Lastly, the need to adopt and adapt some of the Gusii norms, taboos, customs and practices in the Christian context.