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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The African prostitute: an everyday 'debrouillard' in reality and African fiction
Author:Homaifar, NazaneenISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Journal of African Cultural Studies
Volume:20
Issue:2
Pages:173-182
Language:English
Geographic terms:Nigeria
Uganda
Subjects:prostitution
literature
urban society
About persons:Cyprian Ekwensi (1921-2007)ISNI
Okot p'Bitek (1931-1982)ISNI
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13696810802522296
Abstract:Life in the city requires a measure of 'debrouillardise'. Several African writers have examined the plight of the prostitute as a form of resistance entwined with a daily struggle for survival. Through a cultural and historical background on transactional sex practices in sub-Saharan Africa, the paper examines the role of the prostitute in Cyprian Ekwenski's 'Jagua Nana' (Nigeri) and Okot p'Bitek's 'Song of Malaya' (Uganda) as an individual utilizing De Certeauian tactical opposition to counteract victimization. The prostitute in these two works cannot be viewed as solely a victim. She uses - and is used by society. Close examination of the role of the prostitute in these two works reveals an individual with a unique position in society - an individual who epitomizes the art of 'debrouillardise', and marks it with a connection to the city. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]
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