COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY

CONSENT BASED MARRIAGE SYSTEM OF WEST ARSI FAMILY: THE

CASE OF AJE TWON

1
 Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background of the Study ……..……………………………………………………………1
1.2. Statement of the problem......................................................................................................5
1.3. Objective of the study...........................................................................................................5
1. 3.1. General Objective................................................................................................................5
1.3.2 Specific objective………………………………………………………………….………….6
1.4. Research Question.................................................................................................................6
1.5. Significance of Study............................................................................................................6
1.6. Scope of the study….............................................................................................................6
1.7. Operational definition of terms.............................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO
Review of literature..........................................................................................................................8
2.1. family Consent marriage system..............................................................................................8
2.2 Marriage payment................................................................................................................10
2.3. Wedding ceremony.................................................................................................................12
2.4 marriage practice in Africa............................./.....................................................................12
2.5 marriage practice in Africa..................................................................................................13
CHAPTER THREE
3. Reaserch method
3.1..Discription of study area.........................................................................................................14
3.2. Reaserch design...................................................................................................................14
3.3 Source of Data....................................................................................................................................15
3.3.1 Primary Data...................................................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Secondary Data...............................................................................................................................15
3.4. Data Collection Method....................................................................................................................15
3.4.1. in - depth interview.......................................................................................................................15
3.4.2. Focus group discussion......................................................................................................................16
3.4.3. Non Participant Observation…………………………………………………………………..15
3.4.4. Survey ………………………....………………………………………………………………..
3.4 Sampling Technique..........................................................................................................................16
3.5 Data Analysis methods..........................................................................................................................17

i
 3.7 Ethical Consideration..........................................................................................................19
3.8. Work Plan And Budget Breakdown....................................................................................19

3.8.1. Work Plan...................................................................................................................19

3.8.2. Budget Breakdown……...................................................................................................20
Reference.......................................................................................................................................21

ii
 Abstract
This study will aimed for investigating the consent based marriage system of west Arsi family.
This study will be tried to identify the type of consent based marriage system among the society,
bride wealth process and social and economic aspects of marriage factor that result change for
marriage practice. The study will be conducted by using both primary and secondary data
sources. The study will employed qualitative research approach, under this method the
researcher will be used data collection techniques such as Focus Group Discussion, in-depth
interview and key informant interview. The data gained from these approach will analyzed
qualitatively.

Key words: Consent, Marriage, West Arsi

iii
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
Marriage is a union between a man and a woman such that the children born to the women are
recognized as legitimate offspring of both partners. The main purpose of marriage is to create
new social relationship, right and obligations between the spouses and their kin, and to establish
the right and status of children when they are born.(Abdullahi 2012).In traditional, society,
marriage is often more of a relationship between groups then one between individual. In
industrial society, it is more of individual matter. The idea of romantic love is less common in
traditional (non-industrial) society. Marriage, thus, is a group concern in such society, marriage
in industrial society joins individual and relationship between individuals can be severed
(broken) more easily than those between groups (Oslon and De Frain, 1999).This definition is
not universally valid for several reasons example some societies recognize same sex marriage
and the like.

In many societies, one of the main roles of marriage is to establish an alliance between groups, in
addition to the individual bond with primary objective of performing love each other. Positively
this can be reasoned based on motives that have a high chance of e nsuring a happy marital life
(Kottak, 2000; Kereiden and field, 2002).

Traditional marriage customs vary by ethnic group, although many customs are practiced across
many ethnic groups. Traditionally the age of marriage also vary from urban to urban and from
rural to rural. The legal age of marriage is 18 for both males and females, but it was ignored.

straus S.L. (E.d.). (1996).

In oromia region as a result many females and males were marring before widely age 18(policy,
2001).Ethiopian regional authorities started a campaign against early marriage in 2003. Marriage
before the age of 18 years is criminalized by the family code of the regional state authorities
when it was adopted in June 2003(BerihunM.Mekonnen and Herald Aspen, 2009).Arranged
marriage are the norm, although this practice is becoming much less common, especially in

1
urban areas. The bride service when the groom works for his wife's family, this is known as
bride service. The amount is not fixed and varies with the wealth of the families. The bride
service may include livestock, money, and other socially valued items.

The propos usually involves elders, who travel from the groom’s house to the parents of the
bride to ask for the marriage. The elders are traditionally the individuals who decide when and
where the ceremony takes place .Both the bride’s and groom’s families prepare food and drink
for the ceremony by brewing wine and beer and cooking food. A great deal of food is prepared
for the occasion; especially meat dishes (Washington, 1995).

The consent -based marriage system of the west Arsi family is a traditional practice in the Oromo
culture of Ethiopia. In this system marriages are arranged with the consent of both the bride and
groom, as well as their families. This means that the individuals involved have a say in choosing
their life partners, which is different from arranged marriages where the decision is solely made
by the families.

The process of consent based marriage often involves a series of negotiations and discussions
between the families of the bride and groom. Both parties have the opportunity to express their
preferences and expectations for the marriage, and the final decision is made with the agreement
of all involved.

This researcher has investigate the cosent based marriage system of west Arsi family,in the Aje
Twon.

1.2. Statement of the problem

There is a lack of clear documentation and legal recognition of the consent- based marriage
system in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, leading to potential issues around protecting individuals
rights and ensuring the implementation of equitable and consensual marriage practices within the
region. This lack of formal recognition and understanding may result in challenges in effectively
addressing issues such as forced and early marriage, gender- based violence and the overall
promotion of consensual unions.

2
The consent - based marriage system in the west Arsi family is a traditional practice that places a
high emphasis on the mutual agreement and consent of both the bride and groom in the marriage
process. In this system, individuals are given the freedom to choose their own partners and
express their consent to the marriage, rather than being forced into an arrenged marriage without
their consent. However, there may be a gap in the reaserch on this topic in terms of
understanding the specific cultural, social and familial factors that influence the consent -based
marriage system in the west Arsi family. Farther reaserch could explore the attitudes, beliefs and
experiences of individuals and families involved in this system to gain a more in- depth
understanding of how it operates and how it may be evolving over time.

As well as the traditional marriage system in the west Arsi family is the best on the concept of
consent, where individuals have the freedom to choose their own partners However, with the
modernization of society there are increasing tension and conflicts arising from the clash
between traditional values new societal norms. This has led to challenges in the preservation of
the consent- based marriage system in the west Arsi family rising question's about the future of
this longstanding tradition and it's relevance in contemporary time's.

Without a thorough understanding Oromo Arsi family consent based marriage system,
chronological changes and effects in this type of marriage system and the challenges for
sustainable family formation, it is difficult to design strategies for intervention where the impact
is negative and to promote the marriage system. As a result marriage procedures and ceremony,
materials with relation to the marriage and detail of the family consent based marriage system of
Oromo Arsi will be documented.

. However, most of the cultural practices have not been investigated thoroughly. In fact
some of the cultural practices are not well known and have not been documented.

The research will conduct because of there is no previous research about the marriage system of
Arsi in the Aje twon and the people of the town have no awareness about these culture.

3
1.3 Objective of the study
1.3.1 General objective
The general objective of this study will to investigate Oromo Arsi family consent based marriage
system,particularly in Aje twon.

1.3.2 Specific objective

A specific objective of this research is the following:
 To identify the types of Oromo Arsi cultural marriage systems.
 To study the procedures and flow of events of wedding and post wedding ceremony of
Oromo Arsi family consent based marriage system
 To study the role of consent based marriage in family formation
 Identify the challenges of family consent based marriage system for family formation in
the study area.
1.4 Research Question
While investigating Oromo Arsi family consent based marriage system, the following research
questions will good answer:
1. What are the types of Arsi Oromo cultural marriage systems?
2. What are events of wedding and past wedding ceremonies in the locality?
3. What is the role of family consent based marriage in family formation
4. What are the challenges in family consent based marriage system for family
formation?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study will design to identify the consent based marriage system specifically in the Aje
twon. So, this study will contribute as the following:

The study will contribute as the point of reference to other investigators who want to make
further study in this topic also the study will serve as a document for generation to generation
and practice the cultural marriage system of west Oromo Arsi family in the Aje twon. all level of
users of the cultures and it also develop our knowledge of the culture specifically on family
consent based marriage system of Oromo Arsi.

4
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study will be limited to investigate Oromo Arsi family consent based marriage
system.

1.7. Operational Definition of Terms

Marriage: is union between a man and a woman such that the children born to the
woman are recognized as legitimate offspring of both partners. (Royal Anthropological
institute 1951.page 111).
A wedding is ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding traditions and
customs vary greatly between culture, and ethnic group, religion, countries, and social
classes.
Kadhaa -Family consent based type marriage system

Jaalaa- Boy’s intimate and relatives

Siiqee - Thin stick indicating her right to marriage
Mijuu- Milk full pots
Kadhoo-The woven leather wear

5
 CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Family consent marriage system
Marriage is socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract between them,
their children and between their in-laws. (Harlan York, 1951)

The definition of marriage varies according to different cultures, but it is

principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, marriage is
recommended or considered to be compulsory before pursuing any sexual activity.
When defined broadly, marriage is considered universal cultural and Individuals
may marry for several reasons, including legal, social, libidinal, financial, spiritual,
and religious purpose. Who they marry may be influenced by socially determined
rules of incest. Prescriptive marriage rules, parental choice and individual desire, in
some areas of the world arranged marriage, child marriage polygamy, and
sometimes forced marriage, may be practiced as a culture tradition. Conversely,
such practices may be out lowed and penalized in parts of the world out of
concerns for human rights and because of international law. In developed parts of
the world, there has been a general trend towards ensuring equal rights within
marriage for women and legally recognizing the marriage of interracial. Inter faith,
and same- gender couples, often times, these trends have been motivated a desire
to establish equality and uphold human right. (Kottak, 2000; Kereiden and Field,
2003)

There are several marriage types in the world, these are monogamy, polygamy,
child marriage forced marriage and other sub types are mentioned mention below.

Monogamy: - is a form of marriage in which an individual has only one spouses

during their lifetime or at any one (serial monogamy). Comparative study of

6
marriage around the world utilizing the Ethnographic Atlas found a strong
correlation between intensive plough agriculture dowry and monogamy. This
pattern was found in a broad swath of Eurasian societies from Japan to Ireland. The
majority of sub-Sahara Africa societies that practice extensive hoe agriculture, in
contrast, show a correlation between Bride price and Polygamy. (Anthropologist
Jackn Goody’s)

Polygamy: - is a marriage which includes more than two partners. When a man is
married to more than one wife at a time, the relationship is called polygene, and
there is no marriage bond between the wives at a time, it is called polyandry, and
there is no marriage bond between the husbands. If marriage includes multiple
husband and wives, it can be called group marriage. (Anthropologist Robin fox)
Polygny: - is a gender issue which offers men asymmetrical benefits. In some
cases, there is a large age discrepancy between a man and his youngest wife,
compounding the power differential between the two. Tension not only junior men
compete for wives, and senior & junior wives in the same household’s female kin,
are more critical relationship than that with her husband for her productive,
reproductive and personal achievement. In the some societies, the co-wives are
relatives, usually pre-existing relationship between the co-wives is thought to
decrease potential tensions within the marriage. (Anthropologist Robin fox)

Polyandry: - is notably more rare than Polygny though less rare than the figure
commonly cited in the Ethno graphic Atlas (1980)which listed only those
polyandrous societies found in the Himalayan mountains. More recent studies have
found 53 societies outside the 28 found in the Himalayans which practice
polyandry. It is most common in egalitarian societies marked by high male
mortality or male absenteeism. It is associated with paternity. The cultural belief
than a child can have more than one father. (Anthropologist Robin fox)

7
Plural marriage

Group marriage (also known as multi-lateral marriage) is a form of polymer in which more than
two persons from a family unit, with all the members of the group marriage being considered to
be marriage to all the other members of the group marriage, all members of the marriage share
parental responsibility for any children arising from the marriage. No country legally condones
group marriage, neither under the law nor as a common law marriage, but historically it has been
practiced by some cultures of Polynesia, Asia, Papua New Guinea of the American as well as in
some intentional communities & alternative sub cultures such as the Oneida perfectionists in up-
state New York. Of the 250 societies reported by the American Anthropologist George P.
Murdock 1949.

Child marriage

Child marriage is a marriage where one or both spouses are under the age of 18, it is to child
betrothal and teen age pregnancy. Child marriage was common throughout history but, is to day
condemned by international human right organization. Child marriages are often arranged
between the families of the future bride and grow, sometimes as soon as the girls are born. Child
marriage can also occur in the context of marriage by abduction.

While child marriage is observed for both boys and girls. The over whamming majority of child
spouses are girls.

Causes of child marriage include poverty, bride price, dowry; laws that allow child marriage, religious
and social pressure, regional customs, feat of remaining unmanning, and perceived inability of work for
money.

Today, child marriages are widespread in parts of the world; being most common in South Asia
and Sub Saharan Africa, with more than half of the girls in some countries in those regions being
marriage before 18 (source)

Forced marriage

8
A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both of the parties are married against their will.
Forced marriage continues to be practiced in part of the world especially in south Asia and
Africa.

2.2 Marriage Payment

Dowry is a process whereby parental property is distributed to a daughter at her marriage (i.e.
Intervolves) rather than at the holder’s death (mortis cause)…Dowry establishes some variety
of conjugal fund ,the nature of which may vary widely .This fund ensures her support (or
endowment) in window hood and eventually goes to provide for her sons and daughters .

Direct dowry contrasts with bride wealth, which is paid the groom or his family to the bride’s
parents and with indirect dowry (or dower ), which is property given to the bride herself by the
groom at the time of marriage and which remains under her ownership and control .

In the Jewish tradition, the rabbis in ancient times insisted on the marriage couple entering in to
prenuptial agreement, called a ketubah. Besides other things. Theketubah provided for an
amount to be paid by the husband in the event of a divorce or his estate in the event of his death.
The amount was a replacement of the biblical dower or bride price, which was payable at the
time of the marriage by the groom to the father of the bride. This innovation was put in place
because the biblical bride price created a major social problem: many young prospective
husbands could not raise the bride price at the time when they would normally be expected to
marry. So, to enable these young men to merry, the rabbis, in effect, delayed the time that the
amount would be payable, when they would be more likely to have the sum. It may also be noted
that both the dower and the ketubah amounts served the same purpose: the protection for the wife
should her support cease, either by death or divorce.

The only difference between the two systems was the timing of the payment. It is the predecessor
to the wife’s in his present day entitlement to maintenance in the event of the breakup of
marriage, and family maintenance in the event of the husband not providing adequately for the
wife in his will. Another function performed by the ketubah mount was to provide a disincentive
for the husband contemplating divorcing his wife: he would need to have the amount to be able
to pay to the wife.

9
morning gifts, which might also be arranged by the bride’s father rather than the bride, are
given to the bride herself ;the name derives from the Gemani c tribal custom of giving them
the morning after the wedding night have control of this morning gift during the life
time of her husband ,but is entitled to it when widowed. IF the amount of her
inheritance is settled by law rather than agreement , In may be called dower .Depending
on legal systems, and the exact arrangement, she may not be entitled to dispose of it
after her death, and may be lose the property if she remarries. Morning gift were preserved
for centuries in morganatic marriage, a union where the wife’s inferior social status was held to
prohibit her children case, the morning gift world support the wife and children. Another lagers
provision for widowhood was jointure in which property, ofter land, would be held in join
tenancy, so that it would automatically go to the widow on her husband’s death.

Bride wealth is a common practice in part of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia), part of
central Asia, and in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is also known as bride price although this has
fallen in disfavor as it implies the purchase of the bride. Bride wealth is the amount of money or
property or wealth paid by the groom or his family to the parents of a woman upon the marriage
of their daughter to the groom In Anthropological literature, bride price has often been explained
as payment ties to the children of the are recognized.

2.3 Wedding Ceremony

Matrimony is a hallowed rite of virtually every religion and culture .The sacred commitment of
marriage from the basis of a stable family, a fundamental building block of any society. Thus,
vows taken by the bride and groom build a foundation, not only for their own union, but
contribute to that of the community as a whole (Robert Rrossi , 1968).

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Wedding tradition and
customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religion, countries, and social classes.
Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a
gift (offering, ring (s), symbolic item, flowers, money), and a public proclamation of marriage by
an authority figure or leader. Special wedding garments are often worn, and the ceremony is
sometimes followed by a wedding reception. Music poetry, prayers or readings from religions
texts or literature are also commonly in corpora ted are in to the ceremony (Frank Grace, 1989).

10
2.4 Marriage practice in Africa
Marriage is the only known incubator for the raising of balanced socially functional children. It
is a civilized union of man and woman .The ideal set up for a child to be raised in to full
functionality in the African context as a contributor to civilization (Holocaust,2001).

All across Africa, traditional cultural wedding are dying out with the influx and normalization of
the so-called white western wedding. The union of man and woman is a celebration of the
natural continuity of life .Marriage is the only known incubator for the raising of balanced
socially functional children. However, in all the communities the bride plays a very special role
and is treated with respect because she is a link between the unborn and the ancestors. A bride
might eventually bear a very powerful child. In some areas of East Africa the grooms family
would even move to the brides village and set up a whole new house there(Africa, 2003).

2.5 Marriage practices in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to more than 73 million people and more 80 ethnic groups living in harmony.
These ethnic group have their owe marriage practices (Ethiopia, 2006).Traditional marriage
customs vary by ethnic group, although many customs are practices across many ethnic group.
Traditionally the age of marriage also vary from urban to urban and from rural to rural. The legal
age of marriage is 18 for both males and females, but it was widely ignored. As a result many
females and males were marring before age 18 (policy, 2001) Ethiopian regional authorities
started a campaign against early marriage in 2003. Marriage before the age of 18 years is
criminalized by the family code of the regional state authorities when it was adopted in June
2003 (Berihun M.Mekonnen and Herald Aspen, 2009). Arranged marriages are the norm,
although this practice is becoming much less common, especially in urban areas. The
presentation of a dowry from the male’s family to the female’s family common. The amount is
not fixed and varies with the wealth of families. The dowry may include livestock, money, or
other.

The proposal usually involves elders, who travel from the groom’s house to the parents of the
bride to ask for the marriage. The elders are traditionally the individuals who decide when and
where the ceremony takes place. Both the bride’s and groom’s families prepare food and drink
for the ceremony by brewing wine and beer and cooking food .A great deal of food is prepared
for the occasion; especially meat dishes(Washington,1995).

11
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Description of study area
The Arsi is one of the many branches of the Oromo people who predominantly live in the
western Arsi, eastern Arsi and Bale zones of the Oromia Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. The
Halaba, Sidama, Gedeo, Burji, Konso, Wolaita, Koyra, Gamo, and Gari are some of the major
neighboring groups of the Arsi. The Arsi-Oromo have been in constant contacts with these
neighboring groups from time to time (Tadese, 2004). Oromo Arsi speaks Afaan Oromo one of
the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia, belonging to the western Cushitic sub-family of
the Afro-Asiatic super-family language family (Kereyou Banata,et.al, 2014). According to the
Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency (CSA 2007), Oromo Arsi’s population size is approximately 2.5
million while the Oromo in general account for about 36.7 percent of Ethiopia's population. Even
though there are number of ethnic group living in harmony with Arsi Oromo; they have their
own cultural practices in the area.

Like any other society in the world, Oromo Arsi is governed by a culture whose beliefs, values,
customs, and a host of social practices have a powerful influence on community life. Culture is
very important for national identity. It is fact that every nation has some ways of life that are
unique to it. Culture is also important for national development. As it is rightly argued, people
without a culture are like a tree without roots. Culture is at the root of national development, and
for that development to be sustainable that culture must be vibrant. At the same time it is worth
noting that, some elements of culture can be obstacles to development (COMMISSION, 2010).
In contrary to this Oromo Arsi is known strong cultural system called Gada system established
to govern, to secure, to lead and to develop their economy and social interaction.

To sustain these cultural practices numbers of rituals have been celebrated yet. Marriage is one
of the most important rituals in the Oromo Arsi culture. There are three things Oromo talk about
in life: birth, marriage, and death. These are the events that add to or take away from the family.

12
Therefore, it is the task of anthropologists and sociologists or other professionals to have a record
document about cultural lives of Oromo Arsi people including Gada system, cultural materials,
ritual ceremonies, marriage patterns, family formations and kinship system.

Therefore, the objective of this study will be to investigate family consent based marriage system
of Oromo Arsi people. The findings of this study will help to understand, promote and preserve
family consent based marriage system of Oromo Arsi.

Aje Twon is one of the fifteen districts of the semi highland area of Arsi zone. It can be
approached from the regional and national capital, Finfinne/Addis Ababa/. It has a Adistance of
250 km through shashemene city from Addis Ababa and 282 km from Adje town .
Geographically, Adje district is situated approximately at 7.3689°N latitude and 38.8392°-
38056’30’’E longitude. The Aje district is bounded by shalla lakes district in the north, on the
South by seraro, on the west SNNPR, and on the eastern by shashemene city.

According to the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency (CSA 2007), Oromo Arsi population size
is approximately 2.5 million while the Oromo in general account for about 36.7 percent of
Ethiopia's population. From these the population size of district is this wereda is 149,804 while
the male counts 74,874 and female counts 74,874.

Aje has large number of population as we seen above, it is difficult to cover this hole population
due to this reason the researcher will restricted to Aje town 01 Keble only .The Aje twon is
bounded on the south by fande Ejersa kebele, on the east by Arjo kebele, on the north by Aje
diidaa and on the west by leenca lamaan.

3.2. Research Approach

The researcher will be used qualitative method, because to will get more information from
informants through theory and idea expression. Researcher will be use profoundly the qualitative
method of research, because of the qualitative method helps to get the most accurate and to show
more clear description of the consent based marriage system of west Arsi family in Aje town of
the peoples in the study area.Denzin, N. K. (2018).

13
Qualitative research also allows for flexibility and adaptability in data collection, enabling the
researcher to adjust their approach based on the evolving dynamics of the community and the
sensitivity of the topic. Lincoln, Y. (2018).

As well as Qualitative research method is a suitable for several reasons, understanding context it
means qualitative research is particularly useful for understanding the social, cultural and
environmental context in which aphenomenan occurs. As well as it allows for exploring and
understanding the complexities of human behavior, attitudes and experiences in their natural
contexts. MerriamS. B. (2009).

3.3. Research Design

In this study, the researcher will use cross sectional research design employed because the data
will be collected once in a time. The qualitative approach will use in this study. In addition cross
sectional survey method through interview schedule. This research will go to arranging the
information which gathers responses of the informant would interpret different ways. This
information will collect classified as qualitative information (Method). Qualitative feeling,
experience and opinion of individual which were different illustrate with qualitative study
method.

3.2 Source of Data

Both primary and secondary source of data will used in the research and data
collection.

3.2.1 primary Data

The researcher will be used primary data through survey, interview, observation, focus group
discussion to get first-hand information from the study area from the respondant.

Secondary Data

It will be reviewed through a written materials like books, documents, articles and journals.

14
3.3 Data Collection Method

3.3.1 Non Participant Observation

When the researcher conduct this research paper the use non-participant observation, observing
roughly and suddenly the study society’s culture in study area. It helps the researcher as she
select informants for interview and encourage her to further in-depth investigation of the culture
and also the researcher observation is different from other resident’s observation while the
researcher observes in Anthropological point of view and avoids biases created by different
informants. Why non –participant because the participant observation is time finance consuming
the researcher used non participant o bservation .

Non-participant observation is comfortable on qualitative methodology because it allows the

researcher to maintain objectivity and reduce bias. The researcher is not actively participating in
the behavior being observed, which can help to minimize any potential influence on the
participants.

According to Bogdan and Biklen (2003), non-participant observation is seen as a useful

qualitative research tool because it allows the researcher to remain detached from the social
setting being observed, providing a more accurate representation of the behavior and interactions
being studied.

Similarly, Merriam (2009) notes that non-participant observation is a common method in

qualitative research due to its ability to provide an in-depth understanding of a social setting or
phenomenon without the researcher's presence impacting the behavior of the participants.

Furthermore, non-participant observation is often used in ethnographic research, as it allows the

researcher to gain a deep understanding of the culture and social dynamics of a particular group
without disrupting the natural flow of events (Angrosino, 2007).

15
In summary, non-participant observation is comfortable on qualitative methodology because it
allows for a more objective and unbiased understanding of social phenomena, particularly in
ethnographic research, and helps to maintain the authenticity of the observed behavior.

3.3.2 key informant interview

Key informant interview are crucial for accessing specialized knowledge and insights from
experts or individuals with unique perspectives in a particular field or community. Key
informants often possess valuable information, expertise, and insider knowledge that can help
conceptualize the research and provide broader insights. Patton,(2012). According to Trochim
William (2013), interview is the direct interaction between the researcher and the respondents
and it also useful make deep interview.

3.3.3 In-depth Interview

The researcher will be used in-depth interview for primary data and in depth information by
preparing us-structured question, and giving full freedom to the participants to respond with own
local language, and by making the participant feel conferred table to share and respond his/her
own experience and understanding about the communities marriage and culture .Osborn, M.
(2008).

28 informants will selected from Aje twon through purposive non probable sampling based on
marital status (married living, divorced un married) elders of the community
from 28 respondents 12 males and 16 woman’s will selected to describe experience.Smith, J.
(2008). In-depth interview method is comfortable for several reasons. In-depth interview's
provide comfortable and private setting for participants to express their thoughts and opinions
without the presence of a group dynamic.Fentana and Frey (200). As well as it allows
participants to feel more at ease and less in habited in sharing their experiences and perspectives
(Rubin and Rubin 2011).

3.3.4 Focus group discussion

16
The researcher will be used this method to gather more information the group experience when
discussion. The researcher will be used homogenous group for the discussion while they talked
openly because they are in the same passion age, status or gender. The researcher will selecting
the individuals by non-probable sampling. The researcher will organize the total of 20
individuals to 2 group based on sex and age, while different age grouped have different concept
to different issues.Martin doornbos ( 1989). As well as Focus group discussion method is a
comfortable for several reasons:

Frst focus group discussion provide a comfortable and relaxed environment in which participants
can openly share their thoughts and opinions. The group setting allows participants to interact
with one another, which can help to ease and feelings of discomfort or anxiety that individuals
may have when expressing their view points in a more formal or structured setting. Morgan
(1996).

The other one is focus group discussion method can be comfortable for participants because it
allows for a flexible and adaptable approach to data collection. This means that participants can
engage in a manner that suits their individuals preferences and needs, which has been Shawn to
enhance the overall comfert and satisfaction of participants ( Liamputtong, 2011).

3.4 Sampling Technique

To conduct this study the researcher will be use purposive non probable sampling to collect
qualitative data to select informants. And the researcher also uses simple random sampling to
collect quantitative data, than means when distributing questionnaires for selected respondents.
Out of 5,400, population 138 individuals are selected for in-depth interview based marital status
(married, and divorced) and elders, 30 individuals of three group are selected for focused group
discussion based on educational status (first cycle, second cycle,9-10+2 and above). The
questionnaire will be distributed for 10 people select and 10 people or 5 males and 5 females are
selected for in depth interview so for the study total 138 respondents are used.

3.5 Data Analysis methods

As Cress well (2003) contend that data collection and data analysis must be a simultaneous
process in qualitative research. Data analysis is an ongoing process taking place throughout the

17
data collection process. The data collected from participants would be organized based on the
objective of the study and analyze through thematic analysis. Qualitative data analysis primarily
entails classifying things, persons and events, and the properties which characterize them.

Creswell (2003) further argued that qualitative data analysis is an ongoing process involving
continual reflection about the data, asking questions and writing memos throughout the study.
The researcher will make detailed description of the setting or individuals, followed by analysis
of the data for themes or issues. The study will be thematic method of analysis and the generic
steps involved in qualitative date. In this study I will be use data analyze involve the systematic
examination, organization and interpretation of non-numeric data such as text and image.

3.7 Ethical consideration

When conducting this research the researcher will be collect data from the participants by asking
permission to insure consent first of all she will describe the risk and benefit of the study and the
aim of the study. When conducting this she will use anonymity rather than real name. The
researcher will having advent to protect the participant’s secret human right and autonomy.

3.4 work plan and Budget Breakdown

3.4.1. Work plan

NO Activities Novem Dec Jan Feb March April May June

1 Title X
selection

2 Proposal X
preparation

3 Proposal X
submission

4 Proposal X

18
 defence

5 Collection of X
data

6 Analyse and X
interpreted
row

7 Writing and X
duplicating
the research
paper

8 Submission X

of research
paper

9 Presentation X

10 conclusion X

NO Item Unit Amount Unit Total cost

Price/Birr 3.4.2.
Budget
1 Paper In sheet 20 2 40
Breakdown
2 Printing In page 20 2.5 50

3 Pen In 2 25 50
number

4 Note book In 2 50 100

number

5 Flash In 1 300 300

number

6 Ruler In 1 15 15
number

7 Copy In page 22 2 44

8 19
Internet 40hr 1.25 50 50

9 Total 749
Reference

ASSEFA, T. (2006). Marriage Practices Among The Gidda Oromo, Northern Wollega, Ethiopia, Nordic
Journal of African Studies , 15, 245-251.

Ryan, T. (2012). What is Marriage, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy , 34, 245-287.

20
 Tadese, B. (2004). The Pride of the Guji-Oromo: An Essay on Cultural Contact and Self-
Esteem. Journal of Orom Studies , 11, 13-27.

Tolesa, E.(2006).Personal interview Olsans, F. (1999). Marriage diversity strength, Lippin

colt company.
Yohannis, K. (2017). The politics of Court ship and marriage among the Gurage of South
Western Ethiopia.
Shibre, G. (2013). Ethnographic study of marriage practices among the Oromo of Eastern
Wellaga, Ethiopia.
Birhanu A. (2009). Negotiating love: marriage, romance and gender among the Sidama of
southern Ethiopia.

______________

21
22