Abstract:
Social practices involving marriage in Ethiopia undergoing changes. The study examined trends
of marriage: changing attitude, values and norms in Woldia town. The study used sequential
mixed method design and collects data from 398 samples both from urban and rural residents.
Quantitative data collected using questionnaire and scales and qualitative data also collected
using in-depth and key informant interview. The data also analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, multiple regression and thematic analysis technique. With general analysis, 78.8
percent respondents in Woldia have positive attitude towards marriage and the multiple
regression result shown (R=.474, R2 = .225, p=<.000). The general marital value scale shown
that 67.6 percent of people gave value for marriage and the multiple regression result shown
(R=.655, R2 =.429, p=<.000). From the total 66.9 percent acts positively towards marital norms
and respect the costumes’ and rules of marriage in the community and the multiple regression
result shown (R=.620, R2 =.384, p=<.000). The qualitative data indicated that attitudes are
shifting slowly regarding marriage, sexual relation, divorce, late marriage, cohabitation and
marital practices. The value that people give to marriage and marital norms also showed changes.
The change is most pronounced in the function of marriage, practice of marriage, the acceptance
of cohabitation, age at marriage, acceptance of premarital and extra marital sexual relationships,
divorce, and the rise and acceptance of single parenting. Results suggest a need for further
research especially longitudinal research in the area and needs the establishments of marriage
advising services center and establishment of supportive community-based organizations for
marriage.
Key Words: Attitude towards marriage, Change in marital attitude, Marital norms, Marital