Navigating desire: Sexual practices of left-behind spouses in Northern Ghana

Abstract

This study explores the evolving dynamics of marital fidelity in Dagbon, a predominantly Islamic community in northern Ghana, where cultural and religious norms traditionally limit sexual relationships to marriage. Analysed through the lens of Social Exchange Theory (SET), the research investigates how left-behind spouses, 20 participants, evenly divided between women and men, navigate these expectations in the context of internal migration. Historically, societal norms in Dagbon emphasized chastity for both male and female spouses, although polygamous men were culturally permitted to have multiple sexual partners. However, prolonged marital separations and shifting social norms have led to a noticeable rise in extramarital relationships among those in monogamous marriages, prompting a renegotiation of established norms. Drawing on in-depth interviews, the study examines how these couples rationalize their actions while grappling with unmet sexual desires and asserting sexual agency. The findings highlight the tension between personal desires and cultural or religious expectations, revealing a shift in attitudes toward marital sexuality. This paper provides critical insights into the complexities of sexual intimacy amid prolonged separations, contributing to broader discussions on changing marital norms in traditional societies.