Nuer Marriage in the Sudanese Context
Within the Sudanese context, Nuer marriage is embedded within the wider kinship network. Bride-wealth cattle—normally in the range of twenty to twenty-five head—are collected from an array of the groom’s kin, and are commensurately distributed within the bride’s kinship network.
Consequently, not only is the kinship network substantially involved in the marriage itself, but it is invested in the continued well-being of the marriage—in the event of divorce some or all of the bride-wealth cattle needs to be returned. Hutchinson (1996) details Nuer gender relations in Sudan, including discussion of historical changes in the marital relationship, particularly the role of the courts and the ways in which the age of women affects their status vis-a-vis their husbands.Quarrels that occur between married couples in Sudan frequently revolve around men’s perceptions of the failure of women to cook or perform other household duties. Nuer men and women in Wacohtia agree that in Sudan women must do what their husbands tell them to do, and that failure to obey may result in violence inflicted upon the wife. Female adultery—real or imagined—may also be a source of tension.
In instances of domestic violence—particularly if it is severe or if a woman’s actions do not render it justifiable in Nuer culture—it is common in Sudan for a woman to flee the home. In doing so she will normally seek refuge with her family, and relatives from both sides will seek to mediate the dispute. Beyond the well-being of the couple, they may have considerable incentive to resolve problems, since divorce would result in the return of bride-wealth cattle. As such, they may try to calm the parties as well as exert pressure on them to stay together.