Fathers as attachment figures within the Karanga society in Chivi District of Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study focused on fathers as attachment figures within the Karanga society in Chivi District of Masvingo province. The researcher used the qualitative descriptive survey method of collecting data from the four schools and the community. Simple random sampling was used to select eight teachers and two nurses who participated in the study. Questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussion were used to collect data from the Sample. Collected data was presented, analysed and interpreted following research sub-questions. The study established that Karanga people in Chivi are aware of the concept attachment and the factors that facilitate father-child relationship though they rarely engage in activities that promote attachment. The study findings revealed that father-mother relationship greatly influences father-child attachment, the Karanga society rarely play with their children hence their attachment between the father and child may not be that strong. The study also established that fathers within the Karanga society rarely engage in child caregiving activities due to cultural beliefs hence their cultural beliefs greatly influence father-child attachment. The researcher recommended that fathers within the Karanga society should engage in child caregiving activities and to play with their children to enhance father-child attachment. The researcher also recommended that parents within the Karanga society should value positive father-mother relationship since it greatly influences father-child attachment and that the society should repeal some of the cultural beliefs that act as barriers to father-child attachment promotion.