Why are Couples Struggling So Much? An Aggregate Analysis of Procuring Domestic Work-Simplifying Facilities in Busega District, Tanzania

Abstract

This article answers a pressing question: “why are married couples struggling so much?.” The article analyses the challenges facing couples during decision-making on procuring domestic worksimplifying facilities in Busega District, Tanzania. The study employed a  cross-sectional research design to conduct a household survey from 288 respondents by administering questionnaire. Checklists were  used to conduct non-participant observations, focus group discussions, life history interviews, and key informant interviews. Qualitative  data were analysed using content analysis and ideal typical trajectory patterns. Quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive  statistics. The results indicate a stark disparity, with 100.00% of female respondents (144 out of 144) reporting a lack of authority in the  decision-making process for procuring domestic work-simplifying facilities. In contrast, 95.83% of male participants acknowledged having authority during the decision-making process. The chi-square test showed a significant link (p=0.024) between marital power relations in  decision-making and procuring domestic work-simplifying facilities, reaching statistical significance at the 0.05 level. The study concludes  that, men hold more authority and tend to dominate decision-making processes regarding the purchase or non-purchase of the  necessary domestic work-simplifying facilities. The study recommends that development experts should provide training to men and  women to promote equitable decision-making in addressing household needs.