PhD Graduate Probes Marital Conflict Within DRC Migrant Families

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Probing Marital Conflict Within the Context of Migrant Families from the Democratic Republic of Congo Living in Durban, was the title of Dr Beatrice Umubyeyi’s doctoral thesis.

Umubyeyi graduated with a PhD in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies from UKZN.

Working through the theoretical prism of social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict transformation, the study used a qualitative approach with a focused sample of Congolese migrants.

Given the global increase of migration patterns, the study aimed to explore the root causes of the conflicts in this community, and to disentangle the nature and situated relationship between marital conflict and migration.

‘My journey towards a PhD was challenging, exciting and a creative learning exercise,’ said Umubyeyi. ‘I worked day and night to meet the many deadlines. During this journey, as a mother of two young children, and also a wife, I had to manage and juggle my family and academic life.’

The findings from her study show there are several foundational causes and factors that result in marital conflict among DRC migrant families living in Durban.

There is a relationship between marital conflict and migration which includes the gendered behavioural changes by one or both partners in the host country.

Findings from the study show there are also several situated approaches to marital conflict resolution that draw on the cultural frames of the migrant community. Negotiation and mediation, however, were considered as key approaches in solving the marital conflict.

‘I am very grateful to my family and especially my supervisor Professor Maheshvari Naidu for her strong support, inspiration and guidance throughout my studies.

‘My advice, especially to female students, is know that if you dream and plan something, it means you can achieve it.  If you have the ability to work hard towards the goal, you will see it happens regardless of your current challenges,’ said Umubyeyi.

Naidu said Umubyeyi’s hard work and commitment had paid off. ‘I am thrilled that Beatrice wishes to contribute towards the communities she is part of and has worked within, and that she wishes to be, in her words, “an agent of change”.’

Words by: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Supplied