Critical Exposition of Retrogressive Socio-Cultural Practices in Henry Ole Kulet’s Blossoms of the Savannah

Abstract

Retrogressive socio-cultural practices are rooted in cultures and traditions and they directly or indirectly violate human rights. One function of literature is to highlight such practices and invite the society to reflect and change for the better. Henry Ole Kulet’s Blossoms of the Savannah is a Kenyan novel approved for study in secondary schools in Kenya and was the basis through which this paper was done. The study adopted a comparative research design. The novel was selected purposively to examine how it interrogates retrogressive socio-cultural practices in the Maasai culture. Data was collected using a close reading of the text and was subjected to content analysis. The study found that four major retrogressive socio-cultural practices are highlighted in the novel, namely female genital mutilation, polygamy, patriarchy along with male chauvinism and early or planned marriages. These practices deprive women of their dignity and right to make decisions as individuals. They work by exerting control over women’s bodies and limiting their decision-making options within the social spaces. Some women have resigned to the status quo, having been socialized and oppressed for a long time. However, others, due to their young age and exposure to western formal education, assert strive to break free from these retrogressive practices. Ole Kulet envisions the possibility of women breaking free from these practices and finding a chance to improve their lives through education. There is need to sensitize women, men, children and communities on the detrimental effects of retrogressive cultural practices, especially FGM, and on the value of girl-child education.