A decolonial feminist investigation of gender representation in IsiZulu literature in the further education and training phase.

Abstract

Literature is considered an essential educational resource in South Africa to edify teaching and learning. Learners can also learn about society's ideals through literary works. The paucity of knowledge on the kinds of texts that are recommended and the underlying ideologies that these teach learners is noteworthy. It is important because little is known about the kinds of recommended texts and the underlying beliefs that these teach learners. From this perspective, it is important to determine if gender representation in literature promotes gender equality. Therefore, this study aims to understand how gender is represented in isiZulu literature prescribed to educators and learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase in South Africa. This qualitative study is located in the decolonial paradigm and engages the tenets of feminist critical discourse analysis as its primary analytical framework. A purposive sample of two setwork isiZulu literature was selected to investigate the phenomenon of gender representation. The results revealed that the selected texts perpetuate negative stereotypes of both men and women. The investigation found that patriarchy, heterosexuality, socialization, and cultural manifestations of society that often picture women negatively all play significant roles in how characters are portrayed in isiZulu literature. The literary works depict scenarios in which men dominate and control women under the pretext of heterosexuality, normalised gender relations, and cultural customs. The results show that representations in the literary works are gender-biased and gender-insensitive. A critical approach to the selection of literature is required as it is concerning that these representations are being taught to learners in schools. Key stakeholders in the education department have a lot of work ahead of them to ensure that South African isiZulu-prescribed literature incorporates gender inclusion.