UNEARTHING THE EXPLOITS OF MATRIARCHY IN IFEOMA OKOYE’S THE NEW BUSINESS WOMAN

Abstract

In most African traditional societies, women are generally epitomized as weak and hence are subjected to marginalization, deprivation, oppression, humiliation and subjugation as portrayed in the roles assigned to them in the male authored literary texts. This study attempts to critically discuss the concept of matriarchy, its challenges and adversities. Using content analysis approach of qualitative research method, the study highlights the activities of the female character Mercy, in Ifeoma Okoye’s The New Business Woman to capture her exploits. It provides an insight into interpreting contending issues as regards why men vastly outnumber women in leadership positions, if women are physically, mentally and emotionally able to lead and whether women should be encouraged to take leadership positions. The theory of womanism is adopted for the analysis. The study revealed that women are adorned with potency, vigour, unique and modest reasoning in deciphering issues in their families as well as society at large and therefore should be encouraged to take leadership positions.