SCRUTINIZING WOMEN’S FIGHT FOR IDENTITY AND DIGNITY AS PORTRAYED BY A FEMALE AFRICAN WRITER : CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES IN SECOND-CLASS CITIZEN BY BUCHI EMECHETA

Abstract

In some African countries, due to their culture and social norms, women do not have any identity, any dignity and do not have access to education, because they are taken for second-class citizens. The purpose of this study is to show women’s marginalization, their struggle for identity and dignity, and the possibility of their liberation from patriarchal norms as depicted by a female African writer. To reach this goal, qualitative research method has been used coupled with feminist criticism and sociological criticism approaches. We have applied sociological criticism which focuses on the norms and values of society and how literary works and works of art reflect a society. The study points out how Adah has to support the pressure from her family and her environment and exposes the hardship she has undergone to reach her goal. The results show that a female African writer, through her pen, points out that women can successfully fight and win identity and dignity in a patriarchal society, contributing then to the development of a nation if they are empowered by education and other trainings and are also afforded that opportunity in the world of work.