Yoruba Women Work and Social Change

<p>The Yoruba one of the largest and most historically important ethnic groups in Nigeria are noted for the economic activity confidence and authority of their women. <i>Yoruba Women Work and Social Change</i> traces the history of women in Yorubaland from around 1820 to 1960 and Nigerian independence. Integrating fresh material from local court records and four decades of existing scholarship Marjorie Keniston McIntosh shows how and why women's roles and status changed during the 19th century and the colonial era. McIntosh emphasizes connections between their duties within the household their income-generating work and their responsibilities in religious cultural social and political contexts. She highlights the forms of patriarchy found within Yorubaland and explores the impact of Christianity colonialism and international capitalism. This keen and insightful work offers a unique view of Yoruba women's initiative adaptability and skill at working in groups.</p>