Personhood and Gender in a Traditional African Community

Abstract

There is a common assumption that traditional African societies were gender-neutral and lacked hierarchical gender ordering. Proponents of this view argue that women in these societies held significant positions, challenging notions of subordination and oppression. They contend that women have historically been leaders, advisors to kings, queens, soldiers, and landowners. However, some scholars argue that this assumption does not reflect the lived experiences of many African women, who face discrimination and oppression by men and society. This perspective suggests a distinct conception of personhood, indicating that African communities are inherently gendered, which in turn shapes their concept of personhood. The primary claim is that personhood has often been presented in non-gendered terms, based on the general assumption of gender neutrality in traditional African communities. However, this does not align with the realities of these communities. This dissertation thoroughly explores the intellectual divergence surrounding various understandings of gender in African society and its relation to discussions on personhood. Regarding gender, I argue that in the African context, it is viewed as complementary, fluid, and relational, indicating healthy and positive gender relationships within the community. Concerning personhood, I argue that it is often presented in non-gendered ways. Those who fail to recognize this perspective often conflate modern social issues with the dominant values of traditional African communities.