Cultural, economic, and digital factors shaping married people’s perceptions of domestic violence against married women: a case study of Kawempe Division, Kampala District

Abstract

This study covered the perceptions of married people on domestic violence against married women in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, it focused on how three factors like the practice of bride price, women’s financial dependence on their spouses, and exposure to social media shape these perceptions. An exploratory case study design with a qualitative research approach was employed. Twenty participants were engaged, including fifteen married men and women through in-depth interviews, and five key informants with expertise in dealing with domestic violence cases. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) approach. Findings reveal that bride price and financial dependence reinforce unequal power dynamics within marriage. Social media increased awareness of domestic violence but had limited impact when it reinforced patriarchal norms or created echo chambers. The study concludes that cultural, economic and digital realities profoundly shape perceptions of domestic violence against married women and contributes to the normalization and tolerance of abuse. It is recommended to engage community leaders, implement economic empowerment programs for women, and develop culturally sensitive and social media and digital literacy campaigns.