PERCEIVED GENDER INEQUALITY REFLECTED IN ZULU PROVERBS: A FEMINIST APPROACH

Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies · Volume 25, Issue 2 (2016)

DOI: 10.25159/1016-8427/546

Abstract

<jats:p>Many scholars have done research about the significance of Zulu proverbs in the society. While most studies have concluded that proverbs play a significant role in instilling positive behaviour in the society (cf. Mathonsi, 2004; Magwaza, 2004, etc.), this paper seeks to show negative emotions (gender inequities) reflected on the some selected Zulu proverbs. Adopting a radical feminist perspective, this paper presents a discussion of Zulu proverbs referring to the role and position of men in the society and those which are associated with women and marriage. The discussion in the article centres around the rigidity of Zulu proverbs vis-à-vis prevalent changes in the society</jats:p>