Feminism: A Case Study of Traditional and Contemporary Igbo Society

摘要

Contemporary and traditional Igbo society is said to be patriarchal in nature. As a result, it is claimed to be a society where women are marginalized by men. While some scholars assent this contention, there are other scholars who contest it. This study therefore, examines the claims and counterclaims on the marginalization of women in traditional and contemporary Igbo society with specific reference to politics and culture. It specifically reviews the works of Gloria Chukwu and Theodora Adimora Ezigbo who shared a common knowledge concerning the active participation of women in the politics among traditional Igbo society before colonization introduced what they describe as gender equality of the pristine traditional Igbo Society. Some elements of Igbo culture were also outlined and examined. Four criteria were used to analyze and evaluate the reality of marginalization of women in the traditional and contemporary Igbo society. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that women were politically and culturally marginalized in the traditional and contemporary society. In the light of this finding, recommendations were made on how to better the political and cultural participation of contemporary Igbo women and by extension, of women all over the world.