Constructing Nigerian Manhood: Gender Symbols and Tropes in Children’s Narratives

Abstract

This paper examines the representation of masculinity in Nigerian children's literature, focusing on how gender symbols and tropes shape perceptions of Nigerian manhood. The study delves into children's narratives to analyze the sociocultural construction of masculinity, highlighting the impact of these representations on the masculinization of the Nigerian male and broader gender politics. The analysis concentrates on three primary symbolic categories: the male body, sexuality, and agriculture, exploring how these elements contribute to the construction of traditional archetypes of Nigerian manhood. By examining how these symbols glorify strength, virility, and prowess and perpetuate a rigid gender hierarchy, the paper discusses the implications of such representations for gender politics in Nigeria. The glorification of physical dominance, sexual prowess, and specific agricultural practices reinforces traditional masculine ideals and contributes to the marginalization of those who do not conform to these standards. The paper underscores the need for alternative representations in children's literature that challenge these restrictive norms and promote a more nuanced understanding of masculinity in Nigerian society. This study aims to contribute to the evolving discourse on Nigerian and African masculinities, particularly in the context of children's literature, and calls for more intersectional approaches to further explore and transform gender dynamics.