CULTURE AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN IN BUCHI EMECHETA’S THE JOYS OF MOTHERHOOD AND CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS

This study examined the depiction of gender discrimination in Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, with a focus on the role of cultural practices and societal expectations in shaping gender roles and marginalizing women. Through the application of feminist and postcolonial theoretical frameworks, the research explored how these authors critique the intersection of culture, gender, and power in postcolonial African societies. The study employed thematic analysis to identify recurring themes such as motherhood, female agency, religion, and gendered oppression, highlighting how both authors portray the struggles of women navigating patriarchal systems. Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood critiques the cultural valorization of motherhood, showing how societal pressures on women to bear children contribute to their psychological and emotional suffering. In contrast, Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus examines the impact of authoritarianism, particularly religious patriarchy, on women’s autonomy and agency within the family. Despite these differences, both novels emphasize the need for gender equality and offer nuanced portrayals of women’s resistance to oppressive cultural norms. The findings revealed that while both novels address the systemic marginalization of women, they do so within distinct cultural contexts—Emecheta focusing on traditional African motherhood and Adichie on the intersection of patriarchy and religion. By analyzing the authors’ use of characterization, dialogue, and symbolism, the study underscored the relevance of these works in contemporary feminist and postcolonial discourse. The study concluded with recommendations for promoting gender equality through cultural reform, educational initiatives, and the continued exploration of gender in African literature.