Sexism: A Study of Bessie Head’s Maru

Abstract

Sexism is a behaviour that is based on stereotypical gender roles, prejudice or discrimination based on gender especially against women. Unfortunately, Africa as a patriarchal society has been impacted negatively by the challenges that come from inequality. Hence, this paper focuses on sexism in Maru; it explores the demoralizing effects of sexism on the social, economic and psychological wellbeing of the protagonist and other major characters in the hand of the Batswana people. The analysis of the novel is based on feminist literary theory, careful study and examination of the protagonist and other characters. The study highlights their travails and how they eventually prevail against external and internal forces of subjugation, discrimination, suppression and intimidation through formal education, polished personality, love for social justice, their will power and determination to succeed. The level of their success in their quest for emancipation is also considered in this paper.