Cultural attitudes and gender inequality in Ethiopia: The case of “Yeken Kiginit†radio serial drama
Abstract
This study aims to investigate how cultural beliefs contribute to gender disparity in Ethiopia. The researcher applies a qualitative research approach by examining some of the key themes in the formerly well-liked serial radio drama Yeken Kiginit. The serial drama has portrayed the actual issues faced by Ethiopian women by highlighting their disadvantages in a variety of domains, particularly in terms of control and availability of resources, as well as their involvement in decision-making across the board, including in the home. The intercultural communication-based radio series centres on gender inequality and how it affects women's participation in the country's growth. To ensure diversity in substance and message, ten episodes were chosen for in-depth research. To gain further insight into the intended messages of the serial drama, a combination of qualitative content analysis and qualitative interviews was conducted. The focus was on the intercultural communication dimension of Hofstede's "masculinity versus femininity", which centres on the relationship between men and women and what constitutes a gender-appropriate behaviour. This dimension, according to Hofstede, is about expected emotional gender roles rather than about individuals. Biological sex is typically seen as the foundation for distinct responsibilities for men and women in societies that are considered to be masculine. Accordingly, women are expected to play supportive, nurturing, and submissive roles, while men are expected to be forceful, ambitious, and competitive. The study's findings suggest that cultural preconceptions fostered by society may make women more vulnerable to male chauvinists.
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