Essence of the Article: A Study of Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood in the Light of Chandra Talpade Mohanty: A Postcolonial Feminist Theory

TOPIC OF THE BLOG:-

This blog describes the essence of little summary of the Article according to my understanding named "A Study of Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood in the Light of Chandra Talpade Mohanty: A Postcolonial Feminist Theory" written by Zahra Barfi , Hamedreza Kohzadi and Fatemeh Azizmohammadi - Department of English Literature, College of English, Arak Branch‚ Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.

A STUDY OF BUCHI EMECHETA’S THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD IN THE LIGHT OF CHANDRA TALPADE MOHANTY: A POSTCOLONIAL FEMINIST THEORY

CHANDRA TALPADE MOHANTY:-

Chandra Talpade Mohanty is indeed a highly respected scholar in the fields of Women's and Gender Studies, Sociology, and the Cultural Foundations of Education. Born in 1955, she has made significant contributions to postcolonial and transnational feminist theory, advocating for a more inclusive and global perspective when examining women's experiences worldwide. One of her notable works is the book titled "Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity," published by Duke University Press in 2003. This book explores the intersections of feminism, globalization, and decolonization, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among women across different cultural and national contexts. It has been translated into several languages, including Korean, Swedish, Turkish, Japanese, and Italian. Additionally, Mohanty has co-edited several important volumes, including "Third World Women and the Politics of Feminism" (1991), "Feminist Genealogies, Colonial Legacies, Democratic Futures" (1997), "Feminism and War: Confronting U.S. Imperialism" (2008), "The Sage Handbook on Identities" (2010, co-edited with Margaret Wetherell), and "Feminist Freedom Warriors: Genealogies, Justice, Politics, and Hope" (2018, co-edited with Linda Carty). These works delve into various aspects of feminist thought, addressing issues such as colonialism, identity, democracy, and the impact of war.

Chandra Talpade Mohanty's scholarship has played a crucial role in shaping feminist theory, encouraging a broader and more inclusive understanding of women's experiences within a transnational framework. Her work continues to be influential in academic circles and has contributed significantly to the ongoing conversations surrounding feminism, globalization, and social justice. (Source Wikipedia)

ABSTRACT:-

Mohanty is a prominent contemporary postcolonial feminist who demands women’s solidarity based on the common context of struggle against the hierarchical powers- colonialism, capitalism, racism and patriarchy. This study seeks to examine traces of colonialism, capitalism, racism and solidarity in Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood according to Mohanty’s postcolonial feminist theory.

INTRODUCTION:-

The book "The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta tells the story of a woman named Nnu Ego. She believes having many children, especially boys, completes her identity. Despite facing poverty, she feels rich because she has three sons. Following traditional beliefs, she expects her sons to support her in old age. However, the story unfolds with Nnu Ego experiencing oppression and suffering in Lagos, a colonized city. Surprisingly, the novel ends sadly with her lonely death, without her children by her side. Through Nnu Ego's struggles, the author shows how political and colonial systems affect women in the Third World. This aligns with Mohanty's theories on women's marginalization and domination.

ARE WOMEN AS A HOMOGENEOUS (-OF THE SAME KIND) GROUP?

Emecheta seeks to speak for Ibuza women being multiply marginalized and oppressed by a colonial and indigenous patriarchal society. Mohaty suggests that the important question is: who is speaking for Third World women and from what geographical location they are doing so? So, Emecheta becomes the right person for it. The book talks about how women face challenges due to their race, gender, and class, but they are not all the same. Western feminists sometimes treat all women from other cultures as if they're all alike, ignoring their differences. The author, Emecheta, believes that women, even from the same culture, are unique and shouldn't be seen as one group. She suggests that women in the Third World should tell their stories based on their own experiences.

Emecheta shows the variety among women characters in the novel. For example, Ona is a strong woman with power, Adaku fights for independence, Nnu Ego is traditional and respects male authority, and Adankwo accepts her fate. The author criticizes the idea of considering all women as a single powerless group, saying it oversimplifies their experiences.

COLONIAL POLICIES AND WOMEN’S RECOLONIZATION:-

The book "The Joys of Motherhood" takes place in Nigeria during the time it was invaded and colonized by the British in the 1930s until it gained independence. European countries believed they were superior and justified colonizing Africa to bring civilization and control. This started in 1885. The novel shows how colonialism brought significant changes in Nigeria, impacting its social, cultural, economic, and political aspects. The story talks about how European countries thought they were better and took control of African countries like Nigeria. This affected many aspects of life there, as shown in the novel. 

In "The Joys of Motherhood," Emecheta shows how women face multiple oppressions due to race, gender, and class. She speaks up for African women who are mistreated by the colonial patriarchal society. Emecheta criticizes how the colonial discourse affects native patriarchy, making it more oppressive. The novel reveals how Nnaif, a washer man, is mistreated by his British master, who calls him names and treats him as inferior. This reflects how the West sees the "oriental other" as inferior. Emecheta questions Western humanism, highlighting the cruelty that reduces a person, regardless of race, to a lower level than animals. Nnaif, having lost power due to colonial domination, regains it at home by treating his wife, Nnu Ego, disrespectfully. He even resorts to beating her, showing how the impact of colonialism affects personal relationships.

In "The Joys of Motherhood," Emecheta criticizes how colonial patriarchy worsens the marginalization of Third World women, subjecting them to double oppression. Women in this society feel enslaved, as their masters' mistreatment affects them too. The colonized city, Lagos, reinforces native patriarchy, making women even more silent and oppressed. Women lack decision-making power, rights to money, feeding their children, and education. They're considered inferior, even to the extent of not deserving meaningful names. The story shows a society where gender determines a person's value, and women face double oppression due to race, gender, and class.

Emecheta, according to Killam, emphasizes how the patriarchal system values male children more than females. Daughters are seen as valuable only for the bride price they may bring. This reinforces gender inequalities in society, as explained by Mohanty. Emecheta points out that Third World women often struggle to understand their complex positions in society due to race, gender, class, and caste. Living up to the standards set by a male-dominated society, women feel unfulfilled and are often considered appendages to men. In Nnu Ego's society, a woman's identity is defined by her relationship with men and her role as a mother. Gender inequality determines a person's worth, with male children being given more importance. Adaku faces disdain for not having a male child, showcasing how a woman's identity is constructed in a patriarchal society.

"The Joys of Motherhood" by Emecheta explores the time from Nigeria's colonization to its independence. Through characters like Nnaif representing colonial patriarchy and Oshia and Adim representing the post-independent generation, Emecheta shows that the postcolonial period didn't bring much improvement for women. The novel portrays how educated individuals like Oshia and Adim dismiss their hardworking mother, Nnu Ego, revealing the persistence of patriarchal oppression. Emecheta gives voice to female characters who suffer under patriarchal discourses, both in native and colonial societies. However, she emphasizes that viewing Third World women as mere victims oversimplifies their experiences and ignores their social and political agency. Mohanty warns against assuming all Nigerian women as victims, as it perpetuates problematic stereotypes and overlooks the diversity of women's roles and experiences.

"The Joys of Motherhood" challenges the idea from Western feminism that sees Third World women as victims of their own societies without considering specific historical and social contexts. Emecheta questions the common assumption that childbirth is considered unpaid domestic labor. This criticism is similar to Spivak's analysis of "Breast Giver" by Mahasweta Devi. Nnu Ego, the disempowered main character, challenges the Western feminist idea that treats all women as one category. Emecheta's portrayal of motherhood highlights the unique experiences of Third World women, questioning the idea that all women share the same oppression. In short, Emecheta argues that women's experiences should be understood within their specific historical and social contexts.

CAPITALIST POLICIES AND WOMEN EXPLOITATION:-

In "The Joys of Motherhood," Emecheta explores how capitalism and colonialism impact women's lives, as discussed by Mohanty. Capitalism's demand for cheap labor and exploitation of disempowered groups is evident in the novel's portrayal of villagers migrating to Lagos for work. The story reveals that women like Nnu Ego face oppression and exploitation due to economic policies. In traditional societies, men and women had specific roles, but colonialism and capitalism redefined these roles. Women are burdened with additional responsibilities, forcing Nnu Ego to engage in petty businesses to feed her family. Emecheta shows how the colonial state exploits women economically, forcing them to take on more labor. Nnu Ego, despite her domestic responsibilities, is expected to do everything to provide for her children. Her husband's response reflects the patriarchal expectations that limit her ability to demand more money for her family. In this colonial society, political, economic, and social factors work together, hindering women like Nnu Ego from achieving self-realization and empowerment.

BLACK WOMEN SOLIDARITY: THE COMMON CONTEXT OF STRUGGLE:-

In "The Joys of Motherhood," Emecheta portrays the concept of women's solidarity, as discussed by Mohanty. African women, facing colonization, exploitation, and various struggles, demonstrate unity based on common interests and shared experiences. Mohanty emphasizes that this solidarity is a political alliance against power structures like racism, imperialism, capitalism, and patriarchy. In the novel, Ibuza women in Lagos exemplify this solidarity. They support each other, providing assistance and advice to overcome challenges. For instance, when Nnu Ego faces poverty, the women lend her money to start a business. This collaboration highlights their shared struggle against power structures. Emecheta explores the idea that unity among women of color is essential in facing societal pressures. Even in conflicts, like the quarrel between Nnu Ego and Cordelia, the importance of communication and solidarity becomes evident. The novel underscores the significance of this collective effort, uniting black women against systemic challenges and reinforcing a sense of commonality.

EMECHETA’S THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD AND THE ISSUE OF GENDER:-

"The Joys of Motherhood" not only criticizes colonialism, capitalism, and racism but also highlights the oppression faced by women within native patriarchy. This aligns with postcolonial feminist perspectives, emphasizing the intersection of gender, race, and class. Unlike some black feminists who focus solely on racial oppression, Emecheta explores how patriarchal traditions in Igbo society contribute to women's disempowerment. She challenges these cultural norms, depicting women as victims and men as oppressors. Emecheta, while not identifying as a Western feminist, acknowledges her feminist perspective, viewing it through the lens of an African woman. Her work delves into the inequities within Igbo cultures, addressing issues like son preference, polygamy, and rigid gender roles.

Ona, living in a traditional village, takes on the role of a male child for her father, inheriting power and responsibilities. Despite this, she is not allowed to marry or keep her daughter, Nnu Ego, challenging traditional patriarchy. Ona's disobedience leads to her death, showcasing the dominance of patriarchal norms over women's lives. The novel explores how female characters are disempowered and controlled by patriarchal relations, depicting instances of sexual oppression and female dependency. Emecheta critiques the indigenous patriarchal system that makes women accept their inferiority and actively participate in oppressing others. The narrative unfolds the impact of patriarchal hierarchies on women's lives, portraying instances of judgment and humiliation based on societal expectations.

In the patriarchal society depicted by Emecheta, women internalize male power and accept male superiority as natural. The title of "senior wife" carries responsibilities and control over other wives, making the woman a tool of traditional patriarchy. Adankwo, a senior wife, reinforces the idea that a woman is incomplete without a man, showcasing the internalization of patriarchal beliefs. As we are told, Adankwo reminds Nnu Ego of her responsibility as senior wife: you should be like a male friend for your husband. You should control his younger wife. She, moreover, tells her: “Have you ever heard of a complete woman without a husband?”

Women's oppression is evident as they are expected to be strong and hide their grief, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Emecheta criticizes the patriarchal practice of polygamy, highlighting the sexual oppression and disregard for women's pleasure. The novel portrays how women can be neglected and replaced like commodities within the Igbo patriarchal society. The narrative emphasizes the dehumanization of women by male violence, depicting instances where women are disregarded and replaced, similar to children receiving new toys. The emotional struggles of Nnu Ego, particularly when her husband brings a new wife, showcase the impact of patriarchy on women's lives and relationships.

In "The Joys of Motherhood," Emecheta reveals how women in a polygamous system are treated as the "Other" and are expected to conform to societal standards. Nnu Ego faces criticism for not behaving like a mature senior wife when her husband brings in a new wife, highlighting the pressure on women to meet cultural expectations. Emecheta illustrates the emotional abuse, sexual oppression, and silence imposed on women within this system, questioning their ability to challenge male authority. Emecheta's broader body of work, including novels like "Double Yoke" and "Destination Biafra," continues to emphasize the need for reform in the position of African women. Her literature aims to give African women self-understanding and advocates for political consciousness to challenge their marginalization. Although progress has been made in women's rights with political independence and social changes, Emecheta's work remains relevant in addressing ongoing challenges.

CONCLUSION:-

"The Joys of Motherhood" by Buchi Emecheta reveals the hidden stories of African women facing oppression from both colonial and native patriarchal systems. Emecheta highlights the impact of European ideals, Christianity, and foreign standards on Nigerian families and individuals. The novel emphasizes the intersectionality of race, gender, and class in women's oppression, especially within Igbo patriarchy. Emecheta, considering herself a feminist with a small 'f,' challenges Western feminism for not addressing the specific needs of African women. "The Joys of Motherhood" is celebrated for presenting the female perspective against male chauvinism and patriarchy. It stands out for addressing both gender inequality and the impact of colonialism and racism on Third World women's lives.

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WORKS CITED:-

Kohzadi, Hamedreza. “(PDF) A Study of Buchi Emecheta's The Joys of Motherhood in the Light of Chandra Talpade Mohanty: A Postcolonial Feminist Theory.” ResearchGate, 22 May 2019, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333296130_A_Study_of_Buchi_Emecheta%27s_The_Joys_of_Motherhood_in_the_Light_of_Chandra_Talpade_Mohanty_A_Postcolonial_Feminist_Theory. Accessed 1 February 2024.