Changing Marriage and Wedding Dimensions In 21st Century Africa

Abstract

The study of marriage and weddings in Africa today necessitates a multidimensional approach that considers historical antecedents, cultural diversity, economic influence, legal frameworks, and the impact of global cultural flows. With Africa housing over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and languages, marital practices are far from being homogenous. They are deeply embedded in specific social, ethnic, and religious traditions (Isiugo-Abanihe, 2020; Nwoye, 2019). There is growing evidence of convergence toward shared practices influenced by postmodernism and digital culture (Alhassan & Kwakwa, 2023). The article explores these dimensions in depth, examining how African societies are negotiating the evolving meanings and functions of marriage and weddings in the 21st century. The article begins by offering a historical overview of African marital traditions, then systematically unpacks the cultural, religious, economic, legal, and technological dimensions that shape marriage and wedding practices across different African regions in the 21st century. The article draws on recent scholarly literature and case studies to demonstrate both persistent cultural tenets and emerging transformations.