Relationship Between Perceptions of Masculinities and Incidences of Family Crises Facing the Modern Family: A Case of Selected Faith-Based Organisations in Bahati Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Perception of masculinities plays an important role in transforming masculinities in the context of incidences of family crises facing the modern family. These incidences include, Gender Based Violence (GBV), separation and divorce, alcohol and substance abuse, neglect of family responsibilities and mental breakdown. Perception of masculinities is linked with the incidences family crises. This study sought to determine the association between perceptions of masculinities and incidences of family crises in Kenya Anglican Men Association (KAMA) and Presbyterian Church Men Fellowship (PCMF) as selected FBOs in Bahati Sub-County, Nakuru County. To determine this association, the study used seven perception items which are that men are perceived as, head of the family, father, protector, provider, stronger than women, ‘lover of women’ and superior than women. Stratified random sampling procedure was used to obtain a total sample size of 209 participants. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) schedules. Descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically Pearson Chi-square test were used for analysis, with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 for windows. Descriptive statistics included frequency tables and mean scores. Findings of the study established that perception of masculinities have a positive and significant relationship with incidences of family crises. In this regard the study recommends that there is need of Faith Based Organizations and other organizations which are engaged in transforming masculinities to use the perception of masculinities as an entry point into the hearts of men, while they target to strengthen the positive aspects.

Keywords: Perception, Family crises, Masculinities, KAMA, PCMF.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-4-08

Publication date: February 29^th 2020