Dynamics of Power and the Face of the New Woman in Zaynab Alkali's <i>The Descendants.</i>

Abstract

History of traditions and cultures of man in society and the religious achieves albeit gazettes through the ages have not only honoured man, but have ascribed to him superiority and priority of concerns in all matters of life endeavour. Incidentally, as his
power increases to effect control over his assets, which include his family, the agony of the (seemingly) marginalized woman is observed to increase, as the entire system operates in his favour. As tension increases over roles and responsibilities in the family, so do reactions and (or) prognostications. This is the background of this study, which features a unique feminist approach to the polemics of women domination and oppression. Here is Alkali's emerging perspective on what appears to be “the face of the new woman” presented in a
fresh light, hopeful, progress-oriented as she struggles for empowerment by means of self-development. This is in sharp contrast with the traditional, lamentative tales of women in
other Medias. This feature does not appear confrontational as is common with her compatriots in the gender battle of wits.

African Research Review Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 1-18