Assessing the Impact of Interparental Conflict and Divorce upon Muslim Youth in Durban, South Africa, and Proposing Solutions from an Islāmic Perspective.

Abstract

In light of the growing divorce rate within Muslim communities, this paper seeks to begin filling the literary gap in research concerning the effects of interparental conflict and divorce on Muslim youth. This study focuses on Muslim youth, averaging 18 years of age, living in a large Muslim minority community in Durban, South Africa. Surveys were administered to affected youth in order to ascertain the effects of interparental conflict and divorce, the general current well-being of affected youth specifically related to anxiety levels, and the religious affiliation of these Muslim youth and their parents. A survey inquiring into the effects of divorce was designed in light of research findings concerning the effects of divorce on children, and adapted to reflect the role of religion in one’s experience. The impact upon children of interparental conflict was ascertained via guidance and use of the Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale (CPIC). An idea of the religious affiliation of respondents’ and their parents’ was ascertained via a specially designed Likert-type survey. Current well-being of respondents’, specifically related to anxiety levels was gauged using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). For purposes of comparison, non-Muslim youth of divorced parents, as well as Muslim youth who identified their parents as married (and not conflicting), were also surveyed. Moreover, interviews were conducted with a Muslim school guidance counselor, as well as a social worker based in a Muslim guidance organization. The perception of two Muslim pre-school teachers regarding their young students’ experience with interparental conflict and divorce was also gathered. Results revealed that the divorce rate within the Muslim community in Durban is high and increasing, and the effects of interparental conflict and divorce upon Muslim children in Durban are very similar to the effects observed by general academia on non-Muslim children in the West. Results also showed a high level of anxiety in male respondents, especially those affected by interparental conflict and divorce. Religion proved to be an important factor in the lives of the Muslim youth surveyed, seemingly shielding respondents from a lot of harām or problematic behavior. Counselors and teachers unanimously reported on the neglect often displayed by parents - especially the younger generation of parents - towards their spouses and their children, due to the influence of social media and Western values. Counseling and support is advocated to aid affected youth, together with recommendations for mediation and educational programs for their parents. Educational programs regarding the effects of interparental conflict and divorce on children are also recommended for all other married and soon to be married couples, in order to divert a possible crisis afflicting future generations of Muslim parents and children.