STEREOTYPICAL PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN KIPSIGIS SECULAR SONGS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Kipsigis secular songs portrayed women in Chepalungu Sub County, Kenya. In spite of all the efforts that have been made to promote gender equality, gender bias is still a very big issue in Chepalungu constituency. This study adopted qualitative research paradigm. The study selected 15 Kipsigis secular songs as the unit of analysis. Analysis of data was made through use of content analysis method. Data from women was presented together with extracts from songs as per the objectives of the study. The study established that Kipsigis secular songs communicated stereotypical messages relating to women in Chepalungu Sub County. Research findings showed that songs by female composers mainly advocated for gender subversion. The study recommends that there is need for male and female artists to collaborate and compose songs that promote gender equality in the society.