I will be interviewing Helen Paul and Chinua Achebe on the society roles, status of men and women in Nigeria.
Helen Paul
Me: What is the main symbol of social satisfaction?
Helen: I would say wealth, definitely. But before, hereditary titles and traditional lineage made you higher ranked.
Me: How do you tell a wealthy person from a not so wealthy individual?
Helen: Wealthy Nigerians have fancy clothing and hairstyles, expensive cars and western-style homes. They also tend to speak English fluently.
Me:Is Nigeria more patriarchal or matriarchal?
Helen: Most definitely patriarchal.
Me: How is the status difference between men and women?
Helen: Women still have fewer rights. Men have the right to beat their wives as love as they don't cause permanent physical injury. Very few women are active in political areas.
Helen: I would say wealth, definitely. But before, hereditary titles and traditional lineage made you higher ranked.
Me: How do you tell a wealthy person from a not so wealthy individual?
Helen: Wealthy Nigerians have fancy clothing and hairstyles, expensive cars and western-style homes. They also tend to speak English fluently.
Me:Is Nigeria more patriarchal or matriarchal?
Helen: Most definitely patriarchal.
Me: How is the status difference between men and women?
Helen: Women still have fewer rights. Men have the right to beat their wives as love as they don't cause permanent physical injury. Very few women are active in political areas.
Chinua Achebe
Me: What is the highest tier of Nigerian society?
Chinua: It is made up of wealthy politicians, businessman and the educated elite. But only a tiny portion are wealthy.
Me: What will make someone be in the lower caste group?
Chinua: Well poor education, lack of opportunities, ill health, corrupt politicians, and lack of even small amounts of wealth for investments all contribute to it. Also, being a member of a minority group, an inhabitant of a specific village, or a member of a specific family or clan contribute to it too.
Me: Does the lower caste have a specific name?
Chinua: The Igbo call then 'Osu'. Many will discourage personal, romantic and business contact with any member of the Osu group.
Chinua: It is made up of wealthy politicians, businessman and the educated elite. But only a tiny portion are wealthy.
Me: What will make someone be in the lower caste group?
Chinua: Well poor education, lack of opportunities, ill health, corrupt politicians, and lack of even small amounts of wealth for investments all contribute to it. Also, being a member of a minority group, an inhabitant of a specific village, or a member of a specific family or clan contribute to it too.
Me: Does the lower caste have a specific name?
Chinua: The Igbo call then 'Osu'. Many will discourage personal, romantic and business contact with any member of the Osu group.