Understanding African Management Practices as Reflected in African Languages Literature and Texts (AFL2602)
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University Of South Africa (Unisa)
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Indigenous Management Practices in Africa
Well-structured AFL2602 Assignment 11 (ANSWERS) Semester 2 2023 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED. (DETAILED ANSWERS - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED!). QUESTION1
African literature abounds stories of repression of children by the head of the family as far as decision making that affects their lives is concerned. ...
Understanding African Management Practices as Reflected in African Languages Literature and Texts (AFL2602)
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AFL2602
Assignment 2 Semester 2 2023
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Due Date: September 2023
QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
African literature is rich with narratives depicting the experiences and relationships within
African family dynamics, with particular emphasis on the role of children and their often
repressed status. Most notably, revered Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’
vividly illustrates the patriarchal hierarchy within African society where children are
positioned at the lowest tier. This hierarchy grants the head of the family, typically the father,
ultimate authority. This model of familial governance involves the repression of children's
voices and often their freedom of choice, and it is in this context that we interrogate this
dynamic and evaluate its implications for contemporary African societies.
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QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
African literature is rich with narratives depicting the experiences and relationships
within African family dynamics, with particular emphasis on the role of children and
their often repressed status. Most notably, revered Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s
‘Things Fall Apart’ vividly illustrates the patriarchal hierarchy within African society
where children are positioned at the lowest tier. This hierarchy grants the head of the
family, typically the father, ultimate authority. This model of familial governance
involves the repression of children's voices and often their freedom of choice, and it is
in this context that we interrogate this dynamic and evaluate its implications for
contemporary African societies.
Most African societies are deeply anchored in cultural traditions and societal structures
that venerate respect for elders and authority figures. Akin to Achebe’s portrayal, these
societies often silhouetrate children into subordinate roles, where their opinions and
desires are often suppressed or disregarded. Renowned Kenyan author Ngugi wa
Thiong'o, in his famed work, ‘The River Between’, also expounds on this societal
template, portraying how Waiyaki, a young boy, grapples to navigate the traditionalist
versus modernist terrain, often bypassed and undermined by adult decision-making
governance.
Tracing back to oral tradition, folk tales like ‘The Unwanted Beautiful Bride’ an Igbo
story, and ‘The Bracelet of Shells’ a Yoruba folklore, signify oppressive child
experiences. The ‘Unwanted Beautiful Bride’ communicates the dispossession of a
young girl’s right to choose her spouse while ‘The Bracelet of Shells’ narrates the story
of a young boy's forced journey into manhood, showcasing the rigidity of patriarchal
supremacy.
However, the question arises regarding the advantages and disadvantages of such a
model of childhood in the 21st Century.
Advantageously, some may argue that the hierarchical structure cultivates discipline,
respect for elders, and adherence to cultural norms, values, and traditions, fostering
continuity of societal cohesion. To quote Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayo in
her book, ‘We Need New Names,’ “Childhood is a snake skin we shed to grow into
adulthood.” This statement encapsulates the resilience built by this system,
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strengthening children emotionally and psychologically to navigate life's tumultuous
terrain.
But, the disadvantages are manifold. The repression of children suffocates their
creativity, independence, and the burgeoning of their personalities. It creates an
unequal power relationship that abuses the innocence of childhood and encourages a
culture of silence, stunting the growth of critical thinking skills. The repressive model
shown in Ayi Kwei Armah’s ‘The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born’ engenders a
society in which children function more as working components rather than active,
valued members.
Moreover, the cyclical effects of such repressive practices, such as child marriage,
consequent from the repression of girls’ voices and choices, have been recognized
globally as harmful. UNICEF has consistently campaigned against such practices,
citing its detrimental effects on health, education, and overall individual growth.
In the contemporary world, where personal freedoms and rights are increasingly
advocated for, such a structure of familial governance can conflict with global norms.
African literature thus provides a potent cultural lens through which we can understand
these structures, question their relevance, and advocate for change.
In conclusion, while at some points necessary for inculcating values and discipline, the
persistent repression of children's voices in decision-making roles in African literature
paints a somber picture of childhood on the continent. As we progress further into the
21st Century, and as Africa interacts more with the global north, it becomes
problematic to uphold such models of childhood. Hence, African societies must
undertake a delicate balancing act of retaining cultural values while redefining
outdated notions of parental power and childhood subordination.
OR
Title: Repression of Children in African Literature: Advantages and Disadvantages in
the 21st Century
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