The Beliefs of Youth in Ilala Municipal, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Regarding Marriages

This study examined youth perspectives on marriage in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, focusing on their attitudes, beliefs, and expectations. The study was based on the fact that marriage remains an important social institution, while young people's perspectives on marriage are changing in response to economic conditions, urbanisation, education, changing gender relations, and evolving social values. A qualitative research approach and case study design were employed to obtain an in-depth understanding of youth perspectives on marriage within their social context. The study involved 15 participants, comprising eight youth interviewed individually, four youth participating in a focus group discussion, and three key informants. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions and were analysed thematically. The findings show that youth continue to perceive marriage as important for family formation, child-rearing, peace, and social and economic stability. However, their perspectives are also influenced by financial difficulties, education, family influence, urbanisation, social media, gender relations, and changing social values. Youth expressed concerns about gender-based violence, conflict, exploitation, and divorce, while also expecting marriage to provide respect, trust, love, equality, financial stability, and shared responsibility. The study concludes that youth do not necessarily reject marriage; rather, they continue to value it while expecting marital relationships to reflect both traditional family values and contemporary expectations of equality, emotional support, and mutual responsibility.