Intersections of agency, identity and gender: Exploring the experiences, needs, and aspirations of Malawian women in blesser relationships and their links to mental, sexual and reproductive health

Chitwanga, Anissa Sheena

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Description

Title

Intersections of agency, identity and gender: Exploring the experiences, needs, and aspirations of Malawian women in blesser relationships and their links to mental, sexual and reproductive health

Author(s)

Chitwanga, Anissa Sheena

Issue Date

2024-09-13

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ostler, Teresa A

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Ostler, Teresa A

Committee Member(s)

• Anderson, Steve
• Lough, Benjamin
• Okumu, Moses
• Fogelman, Charles

Department of Study

School of Social Work

Discipline

Social Work

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Blesser, Slay Queen, Mental Health, Transactional Relationships, Agency, Gender, Sexual Health, Reproductive Health, Malawi

Abstract

Fifteen young Malawian women (ages 18-30 years) who were engaged in Blesser-Slay Queen relationships were interviewed to explore, their experiences in Blesser/Slay Queen relationships; their sense of identity within the Malawian context vis-à-vis gendered roles; their perceived mental sexual and reproductive health outcomes; and their current needs and aspirations. The study drew both on in-depth semi structured interviews and a demographics survey and employed a thematic analysis guided by three theories: (1) African Feminist Theory (AFT), Social Dominance Theory (SDT) and Social Exchange Theory (SET) to contextualize the findings. Qualitative findings revealed varying experiences in the relationships marked by the themes of financial gain, agency through financial gain, dependency and overreliance on Blessers as well as a sense of worthlessness which makes them look at themselves as being ‘ruined”. Their perceptions of identity while in these relationships is influenced by societal expectations and personal struggles. Women appeared to experience dual sense of identity. On the one hand, they felt empowered through the relationship due to monetary benefits. On the other, they felt stigmatized and conflicted particularly due to their own moral perceptions of the relationships where they believe that it is wrong and equates to prostitution. Women also appeared to experience several adverse mental, sexual and reproductive health, such as inconsistent condom use, HIV and STI prevalence, and unwanted pregnancies and abortions. These findings were supported by initial mental health assessment questions that were administered in the Demographics survey which assessed the frequency of significant stress or emotional distress attributed to Blesser relationships, occurrences of depressive symptoms, and a self-assessment of psychological well-being. The results from the survey revealed adverse mental health outcomes from their involvement in Blesser relationships. Aspirations among participants included financial stability, psychosocial counselling and mental health interventions, educational opportunities, and societal acceptance, with many aiming to transition away from Blesser relationships towards conventional partnerships and family life. The study substantiates the complex interplay of economic hardship, gender inequality, and cultural pressures influencing women's decisions and life trajectories in Malawi. The participants were young women aged 18-30, frequently engaging with multiple Blessers for financial support and agency through financial gain primarily through small-scale businesses funded by the Blessers which highlights the need for financial independence, gender equality and mental health interventions to combat the significant mental health challenges faced by the women, including stress, anxiety, depression, and stigma due to societal norms, which has negative implications on their self-esteem and overall psychological well-being. However, there were several limitations to the study including online data collection and limited access to technology in data gathering, a limited range of participants which excluded experiences from other age groups, as well as a focus only on women. The study left out the perspectives of Blessers and close others. Nonetheless, it provides an important perspective on the varying experiences and life trajectories of the women needed for helping women achieve financial independence and get the much-needed mental health support. The findings underscored the resilience of these women amidst structural and psychological constraints, highlighting aspirations for economic independence, educational advancement, and societal acceptance beyond their current circumstances. This calls for policy amendments and interventions that will advance women’s financial and mental well-being as well as access to reproductive and sexual health services that will advance the well-being of Malawian women in Blesser relationships. Future research and social work practice should also focus on dismantling toxic patriarchal tendencies and focus on creating mental health awareness among Malawian communities.

Graduation Semester

2024-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127437

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Anissa Chitwanga

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