Gender Identity through Stereotypical Portrayals in Kipsigis Secular Songs

Abstract

Oral literature is one of the social and cultural channels of patriarchy in modern times. According to social construction theories, gender identity is a socially constructed concept. This paper looks at stereotypical portrayal of Kipsigis secular songs and its contribution to gender identity among residents of Chepalungu Sub County, Kenya. Secular songs have a significant influence on how gender identity is constructed. The study for this paper was conducted in Chepalungu Sub-County, Kenya. A total of 15 Kipsigis secular songs were sampled, transcribed, coded, analysed and interpreted through feminist post-structuralism theory which focuses on the analysis of social organization, social meaning, power and individual consciousness in language. A total of six (6) men and six (6) women aged between 35 and 60 years were sampled for in-depth interviews. A qualitative research paradigm guided by Critical Discourse Analysis design was used. Data collected was analysed qualitatively using thematic content analysis and grounded theory. Research results showed that there was patriarchal construction of femininity through Kipsigis secular songs as they showed images of women as being submissive, inferior, sexual objects and also home makers and carers. Through analysis of secular songs, women have been portrayed as incapable of performing economic duties in the household. In contrast, men have been portrayed as capable of performing economic duties. The paper recommends that there is need for creation of awareness to the members of the public on differentiating popular music and music that has individual and societal value.