Etude anthropologique de l’union libre au Burundi: analyse des facteurs déterminants

Abstract

In this research, we are interested in exploring the key factors that shape the common-law union phenomenon in Burundi. It is appropriate to indicate that the phenomenon of common-law unions has been marginalized for a significant period of time in the Burundian society. Besides the fact that it is doomed to distrust and immorality in social representations, it has also been marginalized in Christian morality. Furthermore, Law No. 1/13 of December 22, 2016 on the protection of victims and the fight against gender-based violence bans and convicts the practice of common-law unions nationwide. Notwithstanding all this, the phenomena of common-law unions lingers. In fact, thanks to an in-depth anthropological study focusing on a qualitative method, we gathered stories and insights from a variety of practitioners, particularly from those who have been involved in the process, to gain an understanding of the underlying factors that led them to this strategy. Therefore, the findings indicate that the causes of common-law unions are linked to various elements. Hence, the grounds of premarital pregnancy and poverty were highlighted by almost all of our contributors. Other stated explanations include the pressures of present-day marriage, the churches, the weight of others, and so on. In this study, we were also intrigued by the prevailing social representations of a couple in a common-law relationship. As a result, it was established, through this study, that common-law unions are a natural choice, despite the fact that it is marginal for some witnesses. However, the implications of this are mainly directed at the woman and her children in case of a split-up. anthropological study, common-law union, determining factors