Gender Relations In Hausa Society

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GENDER RELATIONS IN HAUSA SOCIETY

Mohammed Naseehu Ali gives an in-depth cultural identity of the Hausa community as far as gender relations are concerned. The way he presents the The Manhood Test shows the emphasis of the Hausa community in gender related aspects of culture. This short story is one among the several featured in The Prophet of Zongo Street the test was seemingly taken. It is important to note that gender plays a central role in defining the socio-economic and political structure of any society and Hausa is not exceptional. Although Mohammed just uses this test to explore the critical aspect of gender debate in various cultures, it gives the true picture of what it means to be a man and woman in Hausa. History has it that Hausa is one of the prominent ethnic groups in West Africa and this necessitates interest in their culture. The narration of Mohammed is done in a true Hausa cultural setting with all the relevant socio-political authorities’ presence recognizes. The African culture of gracing such occasions is clearly exhibited in this work which significantly boosts the validity of the statement on importance of gender relations in this community. As Mohammed puts t, at the centre of the controversy is a man who has been accused by the wife for being inactive as far as his conjugal obligations are concerned. The wife is compelled by this development to report the husband to the higher authorities in a bid to secure divorce. It is very evident from this test episode that the Hausa community put significant importance in sexuality of both gender (Coles and Beverly 45). A man is expected to be the head of the family by providing for the family but the primary point of connection should be the ability to perform ...

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...taking such children under their care and basic needs provision. This explores the skewed treatment that women get in this community. As far as gender relations is concerned, Hausa community attach more value to male children than female and make this known by training them to be masculine and show superiority. The author explores this by explaining how the erection of Mr. Rafique prior to the test was a great sign of relief for him. The community brainwashes the male and female from the infancy stage in such a way that they clearly understands the consequences of deviation. An issue of sexual inadequacy from a man attracts great attention from the community and this asserts the culture of socially defined sexual masculinity of men in Hausa. The book conclusively gives clear gender relations in Hausa society that holds to date.

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