Gendered ideology in selected Lusoga proverbs.

Abstract

This study focused on the exploration of gendered ideology in selected Lusoga proverbs. The general objective was to analytically explore the manifestation of a gendered ideology in selected Lusoga proverbs, and critically examine the artistic tools deployed to covertly and overtly express a gendered ideology. It was also to identify means that could be employed to make the Basoga aware of the bigotry and of subjective gendered proverbs. The study was basically qualitative in design, involving both field and desk reseach. Two research questions were deployed in the framing of the methodology and collection of data and these were: What literary techniques do Lusoga proverbs employ to covertly or overtly construct and transmit a gendered ideology among the Basoga communities?And, what gendered ideological issues are articulated in selected Lusoga proverbs?, The data collected and analysed in this study showed that, several literary aspects including imagery diction, acoustic and rhetorical expressions among others, were used in selected Lusoga proverbs to portray how males and females are perceived in Busoga. Similarly, it was also found out that indeed Lusoga proverbs did exhibit a gendered ideology; this in as far as conceptualization of the human attributes including: parenthood, status of wives, bachelorhood, marriage, and feminine beauty, were concerned. The study concluded that these proverbs did exhibit a gendered ideology and thus recommend to the various stakeholders to investigate how a folk form that disadvantaged the females in Busoga could be reconfigured to serve both men and women. It also noted that current focus on the manifestations of gendered attitude in Lusoga proverbs, was restrictive. To that effect, there was a suggestion that, further research be carried out to examine how men and women were perceived in other genres of Busoga oral literature. The study as well suggested that the focus of the current study be replicated in other Ugandan communities.