Much of the traditional Igbo life presented in this novel revolves around structured gender roles.

Essentially all of Igbo life is gendered, from the crops that men and women grow, to
characterization of crimes. In Igbo culture, women are the weaker sex, but are also endowed
with qualities that make them worthy of worship, like the ability to bear children. The dominant
role for women is: first, to make a pure bride for an honorable man, second, to be a submissive
wife, and third, to bear many children.
The ideal man provides for his family materially and has prowess on the battlefield. The
protagonist in the novel is extremely concerned with being hyper-masculine and devalues
everything feminine, leaving him rather unbalanced. Much of the gender theme in the book
centers around the idea of balance between masculine and feminine forces body and
mind/soul, emotionality and rationality, mother and father. If one is in imbalance, it makes the
whole system haywire.

In THINGS FALL APART novel, a woman has a role of giving birth, taking care
of his children, and,doing domestic activities such as cooking food,cleaning
the house, etc.
In addition, a man has a great role than a woman,because heavy activities
such as war, wrestling,etc; concern man. For instance,OKONKWO work hard
in order to get a good harvest, he is good at wrestling , and also, he is a
known warrior in his area.A woman was given a simple but significant role.
Source(s)
THINGS FALL APART NOVEL.

Answered by judy t #197809 3 years ago 4/3/2013 6:57 AM

While women in general play a subservient role, they have importance as
well. The first wife is most important in the society and holds some respect;
the image of the mother to whom one retreats when life goes badly is also
important. However, the society does also allow wife beating, which means
that there is a kind of punishment for disobedience or lazy or forgetful
behavior.

Answered by jill d #170087 3 years ago 4/3/2013 7:01 AM

Gender roles in Things Fall Apart are based upon the traditions and culture of
the Igbo tribe. Women are considered the wealer sex, but are also

worshipped for their ability to bear children. Traditional women's roles in the
Igbo community include staying pure until marriage, being submissive to
their husbands, and bearing as many children as possible.