Precolonial to postcolonial Igbo tribe Culture: Gender Roles
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Gender Roles of the Igbo Tribe
By Ezekiel Branche & Brylan Payne
Men Roles Before Colonization
Men before colonization
Men were the main gender of the Igbo community. They were in charge of their families and they also had the right to beat their wives in any situation. "Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper."(Achebe,13)
Pre-Colonial Igbo man
Pre-Colonial Igbo man celebrating parade
Women Roles Before Colonialism
Igbo women were weaker in power and in overall.From wedding women are expected to play a submissive role to their husbands, do house work and domestic chores, farming, and clean several children.
Igbo women also have little to no education.
In Things fall apart, it's showed that men are openly allowed to beat their wives in any case."Ekwefia, one in all Okonkwos wife, cuts leaves off banana tree. Okonkwo's immediate response was to beat her. without further argument Okonkwos gave her a sound beating...". (Achebe, 38)
women before colonization
Subtopic 2
Pre-Colonial Igbo women pictures
Pre-colonial Igbo women from taking care of children and traditional dances
Men After Colonization
Men after colonization
Men can be kind of equal to women now. Unlike before, where women did the majority of domestic work, and chores, and men did some. mostly, they need a lot of responsibilities than before. They also don't live and become independent from their wives, which means women will refer to their husbands freely. Basically, equality for both genders came with colonization.
Post-Colonial Igbo men
Post-Colonial Igbo men at traditional gathering
Women After Colonization
Women after Colonization
Present day Nigerian women are more privileged than women back in pre colonial times in Nigeria.
Women have the right to earn titles, which before, only Nigerian men could receive.Education is now offered, which means women can accomplish more than before, and earn special positions in different jobs.
Post-Colonial Igbo women
Post-Colonial Igbo women dressing in Igbo attire fore their gathering
Conclusion
The women role in post colonial Igbo have gained them political power together with several advantages that the men's role did not.