Cultural Intersectionality in Flora Nwapa’s Efuru

Abstract

Patriarchal stereotypes have long been entrenched in literary and cultural narratives, often relegating women to subordinate roles defined by societal expectations. These stereotypes not only reflect but also reinforce male-dominated structures, shaping perceptions of gender roles in various cultural contexts. The paper examines how Nwapa dismantles patriarchal stereotypes in Efuru, offering a nuanced portrayal of African womanhood that transcends traditional narratives. The study embraces feminist theory, specifically mentioning intersectionality. The study looks at Flora Nwapa’s Efuru. The findings reveal that the social system in which women are imprisoned leads them to believe they are truly incapable of doing anything that goes beyond the perception prescribed by the system. The system oppresses women in different ways and prevents them from being independent. However, since women are born warriors, they constantly fight for recognition. In conclusion, the study unveils how women are independent because of the way they perceive things and do not wait for a man to be significant. They are illustrated as hard workers who are financially independent, adding something to their defiance of patriarchy.