A Critical Look at Some Areas of Stigma and Stereotypes in Igbo Socio-Cultural Life: Traditional Religion as a Radiating Force

Emmanuel, Ikenna Okafor and Amaechi-Ani,, Nneka Nkiru and Obichukwu, Kelvin Ogbonna (2019) A Critical Look at Some Areas of Stigma and Stereotypes in Igbo Socio-Cultural Life: Traditional Religion as a Radiating Force. Journal of Liberal Studies (Special Edition), 17 (2). pp. 336-346. ISSN 0794-9928

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Abstract

The Igbo people’s culture which is influenced by Igbo traditional religion accommodated some levels of stigma and stereotypes. Historically, those practices were observed without concern on their effects to common man. At a time, complaints and agitations arose, prompting some adjustments in some areas of this problem. These perceptions affect issues relating to alcoholism, abortion, suicide, premarital pregnancy, leprosy, domestic roles, property ownership, school functionaries, Osu-Caste, widowhood discrimination etc. It has been discovered in this paper, that while there are some adjustments, the issue has transcended to an alarming levels in the contemporary Igbo society that many schools within the South-East consider sex/gender in allocation of school functionaries, families encourage choices of higher academic pursuit based on the gender of their offspring, stigma against bastards and so on. The research therefore aims at discouraging both the traditional and contemporary forms of stigma and stereotypes. When it is discouraged, it will foster economic growth and development, create higher level of socialization, identify worth in every individual and demoralize inferiority complex. This paper recommends for development of people’s potentials, elimination of obnoxious cultural perceptions among other things. The research adopts historical and phenomenological approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive style. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Art
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 20 May 2025 12:53
Last Modified: 20 May 2025 12:53
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/4605

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