The Portrayal of Gender Roles in Contemporary Nigerian Literature: A Comparative Analysis

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis examines the portrayal of gender roles in contemporary Nigerian literature through a comparative analysis. The study delves into a selection of Nigerian literary works to explore how gender roles are depicted and contested within the narratives. The primary aim is to analyze the representation of gender dynamics in these literary texts and to identify the underlying socio-cultural implications embedded within them. The introduction provides a background to the study, outlining the significance of investigating gender roles in Nigerian literature and the motivation behind the comparative approach. The research problem addressed in this study revolves around the complex and evolving nature of gender roles as depicted in literary works and the impact of these representations on societal perceptions and expectations. The objectives of the study are to critically analyze the portrayal of male and female characters in selected Nigerian literary texts, to compare and contrast the representation of gender roles across different works, and to examine the socio-cultural contexts influencing these portrayals. The limitations of the study include the focus on a specific time period and selection of literary works, which may not encompass the entire spectrum of contemporary Nigerian literature. The scope of the study encompasses a comparative analysis of gender roles in a range of literary genres, including novels, short stories, and poetry, written by Nigerian authors. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to the existing discourse on gender representations in literature and its potential to illuminate the ways in which Nigerian writers engage with and challenge traditional gender norms. The literature review chapter critically examines existing scholarship on gender roles in Nigerian literature, highlighting key themes and trends in the representation of male and female characters. Drawing on a diverse range of theoretical frameworks, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this field. The research methodology chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and analytical approaches employed in this study. Through a combination of textual analysis and thematic coding, the study seeks to uncover patterns and variations in the portrayal of gender roles across the selected literary works. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of the gender roles depicted in the selected Nigerian literary texts, drawing out common motifs, character archetypes, and narrative strategies employed by the authors. This chapter also examines the socio-cultural contexts shaping these representations and discusses the implications of these portrayals for gender norms in Nigerian society. In conclusion, this thesis offers a nuanced understanding of how gender roles are portrayed and contested in contemporary Nigerian literature. By illuminating the complex interplay between literature, culture, and gender, this study contributes to a deeper appreciation of the diverse ways in which Nigerian writers engage with issues of gender identity, power dynamics, and social change.