Investigating the Sexist Implications of Bride Price (Lobola) in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The present study investigates the sexist implications of endorsement of bride price payment (known locally and regionally as Lobola), with a Zimbabwean sample (n = 437; mean age = 22.19, SD = 2.34). Specifically, we predicted that endorsement of Lobola and benevolent sexism would predict placing restrictions on women’s behaviour (i.e. paternalistic chivalry). More importantly, we also predicted that benevolent sexism would mediate the relationship between endorsement of Lobola and paternalistic chivalry. Results supported both hypotheses. We discuss the results within the framework of ambivalent sexism theory.