Routledge Handbook of Minority Discourses in African Literature

This handbook provides a critical overview of literature dealing with groups of people or regions that suffer marginalization within Africa, examining minority discourses and strategies deployed against repression and oppression. It is an important resource for scholars and students of comparative and postcolonial literature and African studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive handbook offers a critical examination of literature that delves into the experiences of marginalized groups and regions within Africa. The contributors explore a wide range of minority discourses expressed in African literature, encompassing individuals who face cultural, social, political, religious, economic, and sexual marginalization in literary and artistic creations. The book is organized into chapters and sections that aim to identify key areas where minority groups articulate their conditions and employ strategies to resist the oppression, persecution, and dominance exerted by the majority or dominant group. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this handbook provides a holistic portrayal of the African reality, making it an essential resource for scholars and students of comparative and postcolonial literature, as well as African studies.

Introduction:
The study of marginalized groups and regions within Africa has gained increasing attention in recent years, as scholars seek to understand the complex dynamics and challenges faced by these communities. Marginalization refers to the exclusion or relegation of individuals or groups from mainstream society due to various factors such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or political beliefs. In Africa, marginalized groups include indigenous populations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals, among others.

Minority Discourses in African Literature:
African literature has been a rich source of expressions of minority discourses. Authors have used their works to challenge dominant narratives, shed light on the experiences of marginalized groups, and advocate for their rights and dignity. Minority discourses in African literature can take various forms, including poetry, novels, plays, and essays.

Cultural Marginalization:
One significant form of marginalization in Africa is cultural marginalization, which refers to the erasure or neglect of traditional African cultures and practices. This marginalization often results from the dominance of Western cultural values and norms, which are imposed on African societies through colonialism, globalization, and other forms of cultural imperialism. Cultural marginalization can lead to the loss of traditional knowledge, languages, and customs, which can have devastating consequences for marginalized communities.

Social Marginalization:
Social marginalization is another form of marginalization that affects individuals and communities based on their social status, gender, or sexual orientation. Women, for example, have historically been marginalized in African societies, facing discrimination and inequality in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. LGBTQ+ individuals have also faced significant discrimination and marginalization in many African countries, with laws criminalizing their sexual orientation and activities.

Political Marginalization:
Political marginalization refers to the exclusion or repression of individuals or groups from political participation and decision-making processes. This marginalization can occur due to factors such as discrimination, corruption, and the lack of representation of marginalized communities in government. Political marginalization can lead to the perpetuation of social and economic inequalities and the lack of voice and agency for marginalized groups.

Religious Marginalization:
Religious marginalization is the exclusion or discrimination of individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs or practices. This marginalization can occur in both secular and religious contexts, and it can lead to the marginalization of religious minorities and the repression of religious freedom. Religious marginalization can have severe consequences for individuals and communities, including violence and persecution.

Economic Marginalization:
Economic marginalization refers to the exclusion or discrimination of individuals or groups from economic opportunities and resources. This marginalization can occur due to factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare and infrastructure. Economic marginalization can lead to the perpetuation of poverty and social inequality, as well as the lack of opportunities for marginalized communities to improve their livelihoods.

Strategies for Resistance and Empowerment:
Despite the challenges faced by marginalized groups and regions within Africa, there are strategies for resistance and empowerment. These strategies include the promotion of cultural education and awareness, the recognition and protection of minority rights, the empowerment of women and girls, the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, and the engagement in political activism and advocacy.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this handbook provides a critical overview of literature dealing with groups of people or regions that suffer marginalization within Africa. The contributors examine a multiplicity of minority discourses expressed in African literature, including those who are culturally, socially, politically, religiously, economically, and sexually marginalized in literary and artistic creations. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this handbook provides a holistic portrayal of the African reality, making it an essential resource for scholars and students of comparative and postcolonial literature and African studies.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032336299