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Brian Aparicio
The Concept of Gender Seen in The Joys of Motherhood
The University of Houston
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Gender throughout time has been categorized in many ways, and has varied throughout

many different parts of the world. Social differences between men and women are things that

have been set for years, in this case, speaking about Africa. Separate roles are given to both

genders and are expected to be followed. Men are expected to be a certain way as women are

expected to be domestic. However, what happens when these roles are broken or defied in some

way. Not everyone can act or be a certain way, which brings up the issue of gender inequality.

Throughout the novel, the expression of gender roles through characters such as Nnu Ego,

Nnaife and Adaku are put on the front line through various social, political, and personal

struggles which prove that both genders though different, share common problems.

Women in society, mainly in Africa were seen as less than equal to that of men. Right

off, men and women were not being treated equal and this was something that derived from

many years before. The differences included everything from status to jobs to roles around the

house and went on. However, this did not retract the fact that women were still strong and

independent, in their own ways, which may not have been deemed appropriate by society. This is

one of the main themes in The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta. The novel focuses on the

struggles of being a woman in society where different things are expected of one. This is

something that is studied in depth, mainly through the character of Nnu Ego. As the novel’s

protagonist, she encompasses what being strong and independent is. Dealing with many

hardships, she begins the story by leaving her first husband, due to infertility. The aspect of

fertility was one that society deemed high and if a woman was not able to produce an offspring,

then it was basically basis for being sent to the chopping block. Unfair, this is how society

operated. Her second marriage, that to Nnaife, was a bit unconventional as she saw him
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differently than any other man. He did not work out in the fields like the other men, nor did he

act so strongly and willingly. Nnu Ego’s societal implications were those of a housewife, as she

was expected to take care of her husband, and her children. This domestic role that is given to

women, has been something that has been in society for many years. But the role that was to

come and the implications this would bring was just fresh to come and it was something that

would change the course of the story and the course of the novel in many different ways.

The role of women in society was compromised by the arrival of Adaku, Nnaife’s

brother’s wife whom arrives due to his death. Because of family roles, Adaku became Nnaife’s

wife right off the bat. This brings new implications to the household as Nnu Ego has to share her

duties and household responsibilities with Adaku, who possesses a strong personality. This was

typical between women, as motifs of competition and power reigned. However, working as a

team became more beneficial, as they raised their kids together. This tag team role between

women might have been easy to follow, but it became a bit challenging as money became tight.

The departure of Adaku, as she decided to become a prostitute, was something that made her

strong and made her seem independent as she was in control of her own destiny. In this society,

there was nothing wrong with a woman leaving to become a prostitute due to the fact that she

was in control of her own destiny, as she was making her own rules, making her own money and

ultimately providing for her own, which was seen as respectable. It was something that was

unmatched and was respectable.