Kinship in Rhodesia

The novel is set during the colonization of Rhodesia, during which many European settlers traveled into the country in attempt to change the Rhodesian’s standard of living for the greater good. Their presence greatly influenced marriages and family structure. An example of this is the husband’s ability to have multiple wives. Prior to European influence, it was common for Rhodesian men to have multiple wives and have a different set of children with each wife. However, the European missionaries did not agree with this practice and encouraged a majority of families to monastic relations with their spouse. Rhodesian opinions of marriage were divided, some families wanted to continue their way of life and marry multiple wives while some people were greatly revolted by this idea wished for a monastic relationship, pushing towards a Christian marriage t solidfiy their relationship. However, both Europeans and Rhodesian’s considered the husband to be the head of the family and it was socially accepted to beat both wives and children.