The roles of Acholi folktales in perpetuating contemporary gender stereotypes

Abstract

This research examines the role of Acholi traditional folktales in perpetuating contemporary gender stereotypes. The Acholi are a group of people who are based in the Northern part of Uganda in the districts of Kitgum,Gulu,Agago,Pader,Amuru,and Nwoya. The Acholi are patriarchal in nature, with the role of male and female well differentiated. This study is based on selected villages in Pader district, three villages were covered in this study. They are, Paitino, Gore and Lanyatido. Three major hypotheses were set at the beginning of the research:one, there are no stereotypes in the role given to males and females in the Acholi traditional folktales; two, the attitude of males and females of different ages, educational levels and background towards the portrayal of gender relations in Acholi traditional folktales do not vary; three, folktales do not perpetuate gender stereotypes. These hypotheses guided the scope of the research. The research was primarily qualitative; questionnaires were designed, and interviews were carried out. As I anticipated, the study discovered that Acholi traditional folktales perpetuate contemporary gender stereotypes; attitudes-about gender relations, roles and stereotypes vary from individual to individual; there are other factors, such as bride wealth, patriarchism, religion, and taboos, that promote gender stereotypes because folktales, in general, tends to educate people in the community.