PROJECTION OF THE GIRL-CHILD IN NIGERIAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: A SELECTION FROM SOME NIGERIAN LITERATURES

ABSTRACT

The thrust of this dissertation examines the projection of the girl-child in Nigerian children‟s literature, using Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo‟s The Prize and Seyi’s Strong Voice alongside Mabel Segun‟s My Father’s Daughter and My Mother’s Daughter. The research aims at exploring new ways to reintegrate the girl-child into private and public sphere that is devoid of stereotype and under representation. As a result of this, liberal feminist theory is used to question the underline assumption of the projection of girl-child in the Nigerian children‟s literature. This research employs the use of qualitative research method of gathering information. This method enables the researcher to discover that the manner in which the girl-child is portrayed has either positive or negative impact on the child reader‟s approach, consciousness, perception and disposition of gender appropriate behaviour. In addition, it is discovered that children who are very impressionable should be exposed early in life to the kind of literature that is aimed at bringing out the best in the girl-child irrespective of cultural background or upbringing. However, this research provides alternative role models who can inspire the child-reader to be productive and adopt an egalitarian attitude. Furthermore, that children‟s literature is a powerful tool used to create improving social awareness regarding the girl-child‟s ability and potentials. To this end, this research projects that the girl-child is also an indispensable being that could contribute toward the positive development of the Nigerian nation.