children & Gender roles
GENDER ROLES IN IGBO SOCIETY
The Igbo people were very sensitive to gender and the binary roles that came with them. In Igbo society, expectations for men and women were clear-cut. Men were expected to be fierce and bold, while women were expected to be docile and maternal. The tight patriarchal power structure meant that men dominated society in almost every way. They held leadership positions and were given more privileges than their counterparts, such as the right to multiple wives. Women could also gain impressive socio-economic stature, but this usually happened through powerful bloodlines or by marrying into a powerful family. Women were valued but were also seen as controllable, as depicted by Okonkwo's relationship with his wives in the novel. Married women acquired more and more respect from her elders as she grew older and it was expected of her to give birth to sons, to continue the heritage and secure her place in the family. Although a woman's place in Igbo society was domestically oriented, many women also engaged in craftmaking and farming.
In traditional Igbo culture, women were regarded as complimentary to men. For example, the women would plant other crops such as maize while the men harvested the yams, as they were seen as the "king of crops" and were a determining factor of wealth. Although there were clear disadvantages to women, paradoxically, many of them enjoyed being provided for and complied to the female gender roles that had be reinforced within the group for years. As these expectations had been accepted as tradition, gender roles and stereotypes were internalized to the point where the men and women rarely butted heads over what had become social norms.
igbo children
Male and female babies were welcomed very differently into the world during traditional Igbo times. Baby boys were met with joy, especially from the father, as he would have someone to take his place down the line. Fathers were ambivalent towards girls, and many consecutive daughters without a son would be something to grieve. Children also frequently died young due to environmental factors.
"I think she (Enzima) will stay. They usually stay if they do not die before the age of six." From a young age, girls and boys are raised according to Igbo gender norms. Girls are taught to be sensitive, gentle, and submissive to prepare them for their role as women in society. Boyishness is frowned upon. For example, Enzima is scolded for sitting cross-legged, "like a boy." On the other contrary, boys are taught to be courageous and ferocious, and any trace of femininity was unacceptable, as demonstrated by Okonkwo, who literally beat the femininity out of Nwoye. Fathers would tell young boys violent stories of bloodshed in hopes of toughening them up. |
two questions
1. Explain how the relationship between Okonkwo and his wives reflect the gender norms of traditional Igbo culture.
2. How does Okonkwo project his violent nature onto his son and Ikemefuma?
2. How does Okonkwo project his violent nature onto his son and Ikemefuma?
michelle sohn