INFLUENCE OF GENDER NORMS ON SPOUSAL GRIEF AMONG WIDOWED INDIVIDUALS IN SIAYA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Gender norms are essential in shaping individual experiences of grief. They guide social practices and psychosocial responses. This study assessed the influence of gender norms on spousal grief among widowed persons in Siaya County, Kenya. Siaya County has one of the highest national proportions of widowed persons, at 11.5%. The study was guided by the Social Constructionism Theory of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. A mixed-method approach and a descriptive research design were adopted to assess the interplay between gender norms and spousal grief. Data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 399 main respondents, comprising widowed individuals, was selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. On the other hand, key informants comprising chiefs, religious leaders, and village elders were purposively sampled. The study ensured validity and internal consistency reliability. Quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts, percentage counts, mean, and standard deviation. Inferentially, regression was used to establish the relationship between belief systems and spousal grief. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Ethical considerations were upheld throughout the study. It emerged that socially constructed roles of women as primary caretakers and moral custodians continue to shape their personal mourning practices (Mean = 3.75, SD = 1.15). At the same time, widowers feel pressured to uphold traditional masculine roles during grief, reflecting internalized stoicism and responsibility. Community expectations for men were slightly higher than their own convictions, particularly in financial provision and maintaining social appearances (Mean = 3.61, SD = 1.23). Expectations to suppress emotions and avoid childcare responsibilities were higher from the community perspective (Means = 3.31 and 3.23, respectively). They strongly believed that their grief is more publicly recognized than men’s, including expressing a strong sense of responsibility in maintaining household continuity. The findings reiterate that gender was a significant predictor (β = .12, p = .025), with women experiencing higher grief intensity compared to men due to structural and social inequalities that women face. The study concludes that gender-related convictions and community expectations explained 31% of the variance in grief scores (F-test, p < .001; R² = .31). The study therefore recommends that Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, in collaboration with the County Government of Siaya, should upscale targeted interventions to challenge and transform adverse gender norms associated with widowhood in Siaya County.