Gender, Literature and Religion in Africa
CODESRIA Gender Series Volume 4
Publ. April 2005; ISBN 2-86978-157-1 ; 108 pages Studies in literature and religion are particularly vulnerable to accusations of subjectivity and bias, because by their very nature they deal with subjectivities and people’s perceptions of their own identity. In the
past, on the basis of a patriarchal worldview, literature and religion were seen as value-free and neutral, and a gendered perspective was not taken into account. Today, an increasing amount of research is revealing the gendered fault-lines in works of fiction and in religious beliefs.
This volume showcases the diversity and depth of research that is currently taking place on the African continent in this field. The specifically African gendered experience is brought to the fore, through the
critical discussion of proverbs, oral histories, resistance, and male dominance. Gender, Literature and Religion in Africa highlights continuing gender bias, often at the level of the sub-culture.
Contributors
Elizabeth Le Roux • Mildred A.J. Ndeda • George Nyamndi • F.E.M.K. Senkoro • Isaac Ssetuba
Contents
| Preface |
v |
Chapter 1
Understanding Gender Through Genre: Oral Literature as a Vehicle for Gender Studies in East Africa
F.E.M.K. Senkoro | 1 |
Chapter 2
Imaginary Evidence: Finding the Non-Dit in Fiction
Elizabeth le Roux | 17 |
Chapter 3
The Hold of Patriarchy: An Appraisal of the Ganda Proverb in Modern Gender Relations
Isaac Ssetuba | 37 |
Chapter 4
The Nomiya Luo Church: A Gender Analysis of the Dynamics of an African Independent Church Among the Luo of Siaya
District
Mildred A.J. Ndeda | 49 |
Chapter 5
Elechi Amadi's Women: Voices of Reason
George Nyamndi | 79 |
ISBN 2-86978-157-1 Africa: 10.50 USD; CFA 6,000; Rest of the world: £14.95 / $22.95
For orders :
Africa:
Publications and Communication
CODESRIA
Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop x Canal IV
BP 3304
Dakar 18524 Senegal
Email:
codesria@codesria.sn
Web: www.codesria.org
Rest of the world:
African Books Collective
The Jam Factory
27 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HU
Email:
abc@africanbookscollective.com
Web:
www.africanbookscollective.com