Family Problems Faced by Individuals with Partners Working and Living Abroad: A Case of Chinhoyi Urban, Mashonaland West Province Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the problems that individuals with partners working and living abroad face, with reference to Chinhoyi urban, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe. A sample of 40 respondents consisting of 20 male and 20 females aged 20 to 60 years were conveniently and purposefully selected to participate in the study. The descriptive survey was used for systematic collection of data. The data was collected using structured questionnaires with open ended and closed questions as well as face to face interviews. A pilot study was carried out to ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments. The study findings revealed that 80% of the respondents agreed that because of economic hardship, their partners migrated with mutual consent of the couple. Although 65% indicated that they benefited finally from the migration, problems such as communication breakdown, infidelity, pressure exerted by relatives, unfulfilled conjugal rights, loneliness, jealousy, financial neglect, delinquency of children, insecurity of the relationship, discipline problems with children, lack of emotional support, loss of respect from the society and labeling as ‘married single’ were rampant. The study recommends that the government finds ways of improving the economy in order to curb migration, couples migrate together where possible or make sure they visit each other regularly, counselling structures to be established in order to reduce friction between the in-laws as well as to manage the children and these long distance relationships.

Keywords: migration, delinquency, partners, counselling