Aspects of Akan Oral Literature Genres on the Social Construction of Masculinity

Volume 9, Issue 3, June 2025     |     PP. 215-240      |     PDF (372 K)    |     Pub. Date: June 2, 2025
DOI: 10.54647/sociology841434    12 Downloads     610 Views  

Author(s)

Kofi Agyekum, University of Ghana, Ghana

Abstract
The paper examines how the Akans conceptualise masculinity as a social construct. through language. The paper hinges on the theoretical framework of Language Ideology that comments on how people’s language and culture are manifested and rationalized based on their social constructs and philosophy (AUTHOR 2024a 132). It discusses Akan masculinity using, Akan proverbs, idioms, panegyrics, surrogate language, folksongs and hunters’ songs. We will see that masculinity is enshrined in the Akan, language, culture, past social experiences, worldview and the past wars. Emphasis is put on the patriarchal nature of the Akan society. Even though some literary expressions on Akan masculinity highlight on male supremacy and dominance, other expressions put unnecessary pressure on men to act beyond their physical, mental and financial capabilities.

Keywords
language ideology, masculinity, proverbs, panegyrics, surrogate language, hunters’ songs

Cite this paper
Kofi Agyekum, Aspects of Akan Oral Literature Genres on the Social Construction of Masculinity , SCIREA Journal of Sociology. Volume 9, Issue 3, June 2025 | PP. 215-240. 10.54647/sociology841434

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