Exploring Botswana Bridal Showers through a Relational-Cultural Connections Lens, Tirelo Modie-Moroka, Malebogo Kgalemang, Musa W. Dube

Abstract

Since the introduction of economic practices and the ideas of neo-liberalism in many African countries, the indigenous ideas of mutual empowerment have become a dominant feature and the backbone of many societies. Though bridal showers have been in existence for a long while, few studies have investigated how people forge or reproduce mutually reinforcing practices in urban areas. The study investigated the Botho/Ubuntu driven practices of community building in the urban space in the form of Bridal Showers in Gaborone. Showers are gendered cultural, relational celebrations organized by women for a mother or father who will either receive a daughter or a son-in-law; a woman who is engaged to be married or one who is about to become a mother respectively. Themes such as mutually enhancing and growth-fostering relationships among participants, reciprocity, social support, mutual trust and empathy appeared in the study. Results show that participation in the showers could bring satisfaction, improved social relations, an increased sense of control and empowerment.