Approaches to Marital Conflict Resolution: A Perspective of Democratic Republic of Congo Migrants Living in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this article is to expound on existing approaches to marital conflicts resolution among Congolese migrant families, their functioning, and their effectiveness. The theoretical framework within which this study is constructed is conflict transformation theory. This is a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 16 migrants comprising 8 men and 8 women from Democratic Republic of Congo living in Durban as well as two church leaders and two church counselors from where the participants were selected. Participants were identified in two selected Congolese migrant churches. The study found out that there are several approaches to marital conflict resolution. Negotiation and mediation were considered the most significant approaches used in resolving marital conflict among Congolese migrant families living in Durban. Culture matters in marital conflict resolution. Because of patriarchy, negotiation becomes a less effective approach to marital conflict resolution because the men believe they have the upper hand in marriage. Power is embedded in relationships, and negotiation has connotations of power relations and how power is distributed and dispensed in a given society. In circumstances in which women are emancipated, equality between men and women can be eventuated.