Topic > The role of women in post-independent Africa - 629

Matsumoto (2001) states that in practically all human groups women have greater responsibility for domestic activities, while men have greater responsibility for domestic activities. external (page 197). Therefore, based on such conditioned thinking, one would naturally assume that the male has a greater presence in the family than the female. Gender roles, sex role ideology, and gender stereotypes are how the culture displays its belief in what it considers appropriate behavior from both males and females. Socialization agents are factors within our culture that affect not only us as individuals, but the society in which we live. reside; sources from which we learn about ourselves and our culture. What is socially acceptable for women in one American culture may represent disobedience in another. This proves true in the culture of individualism of Americans as opposed to the culture of collectivism found in South Africans. Makanga (2011) states that there has always been an imbalance in African cultures, although in the ratio of women to men women far outnumber men, they remain underserved and not recognized as having significant value. This is due to traditions and beliefs passed down through generations, which are considered the only accepted way of life. The structure of the house places the male in charge of the house and the women, as quote after quote, help in mating. She is expected to bear children, raise them, and provide for her family. Islamic views weigh heavily on the choices made, one of which means the man of the house can welcome four wives. According to Chinelo (2013) it satisfies the terms of infertility, sexual prowess, number of female births compared to male children (paragraph 4). If the African male decided on polygamy, it is suggested to him that he is capable of love... in the midst of the newspapers, I think I would be the one to take a stand. I met women who did it and still do it today. Which could contribute to them coming to the United States to receive their education. References Chinelo. (2013). Nigeria: Polygamy: Why men marry more women. Retrieved from http://m.allafrica.com/stories/201306140218.html/Matsumoto. (2001). The Handbook of Culture and Psychology. Oxford University Press.Mukanga. (2011). Understanding gender relations, culture and development in Africa. Retrieved from http://arterialnetwork2011.blogspot.com/2011/08/understanding-gender-relations-culture.htmlThe role of women in post-independent Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.karibu-stenger.net/en/articles/women-in-post-independent-africa.shtmlWang, P., and Taylor. (2013). Breadwinner mothers. Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/05/29/breadwinner-moms/