Child abuse in Setswana folktales
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Date
Authors
Ramagoshi, Refilwe M.
Maree, J.G. (Kobus)
Alexander, Daleen
Molepo, Maisha M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
This article examines the possible role played by African folk literature, taking Setswana folktales as a case in point, in justifying and perpetuating the abusive behaviour so often witnessed and decried in postmodern society. We found some evidence that certain folktales may depict real-life child abuse by adults (male and female), and, indeed, serve to perpetuate pre-modern societal beliefs. Ideally speaking, citizens should probably be educated about the possible negative impact of that part of folk literature that serves to perpetuate negative stereotypes of children as objects to be (ab)used. Since folk literature may be serving as a potentially significant guardian of these beliefs, a possible first step would be to identify folktales and other stories that may keep alive beliefs that reinforce obsolete views about children. This is a challenge to all folklorists.
Description
Keywords
Child abuse, Folktales, African folk literature, Setswana, Societal beliefs
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Malimabe-Ramagoshi, RM, Maree, JG, Alexander, D & Molepo, MM 2007, 'Child abuse in Setswana folktales', Early Child Development and Care, vol. 177, no. 4, pp. 433-448. [http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gecd]