Why Sub saharan Africa?
Ever since I was ten years old, I had wanted to visit South Africa. Since a good friend of mine had moved there, my dream was to see her in her home. About once a year, she visited North Carolina and we would get together to catch up, but I wanted to visit South Africa. I never imagined I would get a chance to go to the city that was her home.
Three summers ago, I traveled to Turkey and South Africa, and it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life -- I finally got to see my friend in South Africa! When trying to decide a topic, I researched three other topics before settling on marriage in Sub Saharan Africa, and they were all focused on either Turkey or South Africa. My main concern surrounded finding a subject that had enough information to write a paper about the topic. Eventually, I decided on researching marriage in South Africa, but I extended it to a larger portion of Africa. It gave me the opportunity to research more countries as examples of the trend present throughout most of Africa.
Three summers ago, I traveled to Turkey and South Africa, and it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life -- I finally got to see my friend in South Africa! When trying to decide a topic, I researched three other topics before settling on marriage in Sub Saharan Africa, and they were all focused on either Turkey or South Africa. My main concern surrounded finding a subject that had enough information to write a paper about the topic. Eventually, I decided on researching marriage in South Africa, but I extended it to a larger portion of Africa. It gave me the opportunity to research more countries as examples of the trend present throughout most of Africa.
Once I picked a topic, I needed to start the research, but starting was the hardest part. I began by searching databases for ideas about what the dating and marriage culture was like in Sub Saharan African countries. While some customs were different within the countries, generally, they shared the practice of polygamy and child marriage. Then, I looked for examples from specific countries that captured the marriage tendencies of the entire region. While researching, I discovered how similar romantic relationships were within the countries of Sub Saharan Africa-- they shared many more attributes than I expected.
Unfortunately, I determined that the problems in marital relationships were typically supported by public officials. Clearly, the issue was starting from the top and trickling down. I wanted to address how the support of polygamy and child marriage from government leaders was leading to corrupt societies within Sub Saharan Africa. I explored this issue and the effects of government support of harmful practices, such as polygamy and child marriages. As I was writing, I realized that social expectations and lack of education were also contributing to problems in marriages, but the government still played a major role.
The project came to a conclusion when I turned in the paper. However, it was both daunting and rewarding to submit the essay. The most difficult part of concluding this research project revolves around the fact that nothing changed in Sub Saharan Africa. The issues of marriage relationships persist, but there are many organizations, like Girls Not Brides, which are actively working to end the corruption. Ultimately, I am glad that I chose the issue of marriage relationships in Sub Saharan Africa since it has grown my empathy for people around the world, especially those living in third world countries.
Unfortunately, I determined that the problems in marital relationships were typically supported by public officials. Clearly, the issue was starting from the top and trickling down. I wanted to address how the support of polygamy and child marriage from government leaders was leading to corrupt societies within Sub Saharan Africa. I explored this issue and the effects of government support of harmful practices, such as polygamy and child marriages. As I was writing, I realized that social expectations and lack of education were also contributing to problems in marriages, but the government still played a major role.
The project came to a conclusion when I turned in the paper. However, it was both daunting and rewarding to submit the essay. The most difficult part of concluding this research project revolves around the fact that nothing changed in Sub Saharan Africa. The issues of marriage relationships persist, but there are many organizations, like Girls Not Brides, which are actively working to end the corruption. Ultimately, I am glad that I chose the issue of marriage relationships in Sub Saharan Africa since it has grown my empathy for people around the world, especially those living in third world countries.
*Photos on this page were taken by myself.