Gender representation in a traditional and modern yoruba family structure in Yejide Kilanko’s daughters who walk this path

Abstract

Several studies have been carried out on the conflict between tradition and modernity, most focusing on the negative effects of modernity on traditional values. However, there has not been much emphasis on these concepts. This study is set to interrogate the interwoven relationship between tradition and modernity. This article examines the conflict between tradition and modernity and its effects on family in Yejide Kilanko’s Daughters Who Walk This Path in its investigation of the existential issues in a purely traditional family. The paper adopts feminist theory (cultural feminism) as a framework for analysing the havoc caused by patriarchy and the prejudice it places on women. The paper submits that the extended family system, as embraced in African societies, especially the Yoruba family structure, is often responsible for the overarching conflicts within the family setting that result in sexual harassment and other anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, it is established that tradition gives us a sense of identity and belonging, and that individuals’ conflictual posture to tradition will lead to alienation, loss of identity and disintegration from the family, being the bedrock of tradition.