The Role of Nepalese Proverbs in Perpetuating Gendered Cultural Values

Ghanshyam Bishwakarma

doi:10.4236/aasoci.2020.104008

Abstract

Gender inequality is one of the central topics and the most challenging social problems in human development. This paper explores the issues of existing gender inequality in Nepalese society through the eyes of traditional Nepalese proverbs. The central research question of this article is “In what way do Nepalese proverbs interact with gender roles, and do they play a role in its perpetuation?” Nepal has been depicted as a nation with the highest degree of gender-based discrimination (Luitel, 2001), and the life of women is horrible, especially in rural regions due to existing gender-based discrimination. This study analyses some of the best-known Nepalese proverbs and assesses their implications for the position of Nepalese women. The outcomes show that many Nepalese proverbs reflect a belief in the favorable position of men over women. This directs the researcher to conclude that the Nepalese proverbs are some of the main instruments employed to spread negative views towards Nepali women.

Highlights

Introduction and Background of StudyIt is common knowledge that wisdom and spirit of cultures are often manifested in its proverbs and sayings which lead to a better understanding of the language and an understanding of the people’s way of thinking (Syzdykov, 2014)
This paper explores the issues of existing gender inequality in Nepalese society through the eyes of traditional Nepalese proverbs
The central research question of this article is “In what way do Nepalese proverbs interact with gender roles, and do they play a role in its perpetuation?” Nepal has been depicted as a nation with the highest degree of gender-based discrimination (Luitel, 2001), and the life of women is horrible, especially in rural regions due to existing gender-based discrimination

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and Background of StudyIt is common knowledge that wisdom and spirit of cultures are often manifested in its proverbs and sayings which lead to a better understanding of the language and an understanding of the people’s way of thinking (Syzdykov, 2014). A proverb is defined as a classical saying frequently used that expresses generally bitter truth, morals, norms, values, and practical issues within society. It is a “précised and condensed saying” Almost every society and culture in the world uses proverbs to express different. In Nepal, proverbs are still widely spoken and occupy a unique space in oral and written literature that plays a significant part in everyday lives. It is found in textbooks, magazines, newspapers, and academic pieces of literature. Within Nepal, too, is a culturally, ethnically, socially, and geographically diverse country, where the practice of gender inequality varies

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