Rediscovering Love, Courtship, and Marriage of the Mansaka Tribe in Contemporary Times

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Mansaka married couples in love, courtship, and marriage in contemporary times, focusing on the effects of modernization, technology, and changing social norms. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with direct experience of Mansaka traditions, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Findings show that Mansaka couples express love through respect, patience, mutual understanding, and shared responsibilities. Courtship has shifted from traditional family-centered practices to technology-mediated communication, and marriage now blends traditional and modern practices, although family involvement and cultural values remain important. The study also found the decline of several traditional practices, including arranged marriages, dowry and bridewealth systems, parent-supervised courtship, and indigenous wedding rituals, largely due to modernization and education. Despite this, couples continue to balance cultural preservation with contemporary life. Overall, the study highlights the ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity among Mansaka couples and contributes to the documentation of Indigenous knowledge for cultural preservation and policy development.

Mansaka Tribe, Mansaka Couples, Contemporary Times, Culture, Phenomenology, Social Studies, Philippines SDG Indicators: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities And Communities)

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