Gender Issues in One Wife for One Man by Frank Aig-Imoukhuede

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General Introduction 

The poem One Wife for One Man by Frank Aig-Imoukhuede addresses significant gender issues related to marriage, tradition, and cultural imposition. Through the voice of a speaker who critiques the transition from traditional polygamous practices to Western-imposed monogamy, the poem highlights tensions around gender roles, expectations, and power dynamics in relationships. Below are the major gender issues the poem explores:

1. Patriarchal Power and Control

In traditional African societies, as the speaker recalls, men exercised considerable power and control in the household. The speaker nostalgically references a time when men could have multiple wives, which he associates with stability and authority. The line “E no’ get equality palaver; he live well” reflects the speaker’s view that, under polygamy, there was no debate about gender equality, and men ruled their households without opposition.

This patriarchal system placed men at the top of the social and familial hierarchy, allowing them to have multiple wives, each of whom had limited power and autonomy. The speaker's discomfort with the idea of monogamy suggests a fear of losing that dominance and control over women, as monogamy requires more equal partnerships, with women having more significant roles in the household.

2. Gendered Expectations of Women

The poem also highlights traditional gender roles and expectations placed on women, particularly in their function as wives and mothers. In a polygamous setup, a woman’s worth was often tied to her ability to bear children, especially sons, and to perform domestic duties like cooking and caring for the household. The speaker questions the practicality of having only one wife, especially if she “no born at all” (if she cannot bear children). This reflects the pressure on women to fulfill their reproductive role, suggesting that a woman who fails to bear children, or who excels in other areas like education (“Suppose your wife sabe book”), but is not skilled in domestic matters, is seen as less valuable.

Monogamy, in the speaker's view, intensifies this pressure, as the success or failure of the family depends entirely on one woman. This increases the scrutiny and expectations placed on her, which highlights the issue of women's roles being primarily confined to childbearing and household management.

3. Women’s Autonomy and Independence

The speaker also expresses anxiety over the potential for increased female independence under monogamy. He fears that a wife in a monogamous marriage will become too self-assured or “yanga” (proud, assertive) because she is the only wife, with no rivals to share her husband's attention. This indicates a concern that monogamy might empower women to challenge traditional power structures within marriage, potentially leading to more assertive and independent behavior.

The speaker's criticism of this aspect reveals an underlying fear of female autonomy and the disruption it might bring to the established gender hierarchy. He associates monogamy with women gaining more control over their own lives and decisions, which is in direct contrast to the submissive role expected of women in polygamous marriages.

4. Cultural Imposition and Gender Relations

A significant gender issue in the poem arises from the cultural imposition of Western norms on African traditions. The speaker resents the new culture that promotes “equality” and monogamy, associating it with foreign influence (“before the white man come”). This imposition disrupts the traditional gender dynamics that were central to the speaker’s sense of stability and male dominance.

The new culture not only challenges men’s traditional authority but also shifts the expectations placed on women, encouraging them to assert their rights and autonomy. The speaker's disdain for these changes reflects a resistance to gender equality and the reshaping of gender relations within the family structure. This cultural clash creates tension between traditional African gender roles and the Western ideals of individualism and equality, which empower women.

5. Fear of Divorce and Changing Gender Norms

The poem touches on the speaker’s fear of divorce, which is presented as a consequence of the “new culture.” In traditional polygamous marriages, divorce was less of a concern because men had multiple wives, and the failure of one marriage did not threaten the family structure. However, in monogamy, the speaker fears that the increased autonomy and expectations placed on women might lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, divorce.

The phrase “Sake of dis divorce? Bo, dis culture na waya O!” (Because of this divorce? This culture is trouble!) captures the speaker’s anxiety about the destabilizing effects of monogamy on gender relations. The idea that a single wife might leave her husband, thereby threatening the family’s unity, underscores the shifting power dynamics. Women’s increased independence in marriage, combined with the possibility of divorce, represents a fundamental change in traditional gender roles, challenging the historical dominance of men.

Conclusion

Frank Aig-Imoukhuede’s One Wife for One Man presents a complex critique of the imposition of Western monogamy on African society, highlighting the resulting gender issues. The poem exposes deep anxieties about the loss of male authority, the shifting roles and expectations of women, and the challenges that arise when cultural norms around marriage and gender relations are transformed. At its core, the poem grapples with the tension between tradition and modernity, revealing the gender-based power struggles that accompany such societal changes.