Title:   ROLE REDEFINITION IN FLORA NWAPA’S EFURU AND NEED FOR DYNAMIC GENDER BALANCE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract
This paper is the second in a series written by the researchers in honour of Flora
Nwapa. Here, the researchers’ interest is on Efuru, Nwapa’s debut novel,
published in 1966, fifty-four years ago, Apart from correcting the distorted
image usually painted of the African woman as weak, thoughtless and totally
dependent on the man, Efuru also raises the issue of changing gender roles, an
issue that is quite topical even in contemporary times. The present paper here
explores the latter concern. Specifically, the paper seeks to assess the roles
played by the male characters, compared to the female characters, in the novel,
Efuru. The major objective is to draw attention to the weaker roles men are
beginning to play in their families and society, as reflected in the novel. Lastly,
the paper advocates for a dynamic gender balance in modern society. Much as
women cry out for empowerment, they do not seek for the ‘disempowerment’
of men, for the input of both men and women is required for a successful family
and society. The discussion has relied mainly on the gender role theories.
Keywords: gender role, redefinition, Flora Nwapa’s Efuru, gender balance,
modern society

Citations:

Publication Date: 2022-08-06