Depiction of women by Sepedi poets from selected poems

Abstract

This study focused on identifying and analyzing the perceptions of Sepedi poets on women. This qualitative, descriptive research was conducted to determine if there were any discrepancies between role perceptions and role expectations. Data was collected from texts (poetry books) in the form of poems that poems which portrays negative perceptions of poets on women. Poems were selected randomly and analyzed to expose their perceptions on women. The study has exposed the prejudices that were unfairly inflicted upon women through poetry. The findings revealed that there is a need to rehabilitate authors, poets in particular to write positive about women, perceive women as capable and gifted beings. If this social ill is left unattended, it may result in confusion and role conflict among members of the society, which can ultimately transgress the attainment of credible and aesthetic element of literary work.