Historicisation of patriarchal Norms and Representing Gender Roles on Ahmed Yerima's Selected Plays
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Date
2025-04
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Department of the Performing and Film Arts, University of Ilorin.
Abstract
History, drama, and theatre examine the impact of patriarchy on the construction of gender roles in Nigeria. Nigerian writers convey their reflections on the socio-historical, religious, economic, and political influences that shape daily lives through their writings, addressing challenges that seek to redefine traditional gender dynamics within African societies. Therefore, this study is a historicisation of patriarchal norms and representing gender roles in Ahmed Yerima's Aetu and Queen Amina. This study utilises a descriptive research design and content analysis. The descriptive method enables us to conceptualise issues, while the content of Aetu and Queen Amina is used to analyse the nature of African patriarchy and its delineation of gender roles. Findings reveal that Yerima's Aetu and Queen Amina illustrate a tension between the desire for change and evolving gender roles influenced by socio-historical factors. Lecherous characters like Atiba and Isikulu, driven by desire, compromise their judgment. In contrast, Aetu and Queen Amina should be emulated for their efforts to protect and empower women. Thus, this study recommends greater scholarly engagement with African dramatic texts to further explore gender portrayals and their societal impacts. It concludes that Aetu and Queen Amina provide critical insights into history, patriarchy, and progressive gender representations.
Description
History, drama, and theatre examine the impact of patriarchy on the construction of gender roles in Nigeria. Nigerian writers convey their reflections on the socio-historical, religious, economic, and political influences that shape daily lives through their writings, addressing challenges that seek to redefine traditional gender dynamics within African societies. Therefore, this study is a historicisation of patriarchal norms and representing gender roles in Ahmed Yerima's Aetu and Queen Amina.
Keywords
Patriarchy, Norms, Gender, Roles