Abstract:
Cultural and social circumstances
contribute to the widespread problems of childhood neglect and trauma in
Nigerian societies. Yoruba literature provides a space for analysing these
problems. Although there are diverse
forms of childhood neglect, little research has been done on
these topics (childhood neglect trauma) in the context of Yoruba novels. This study, therefore, examines the
presentation of childhood neglect trauma in selected Yoruba novels. It also
explores manifestation and the healing and recovery strategies adopted in the
selected novels. This study employs content and literary analysis to examine
two selected Yorùbá novels: Kúyẹ̀ by Ọdúnjọ, J. F and
Atótó Arére by Ọládẹ̀jọ Òkédìjí. This study also
adopts Trauma theory to
guide the analysis. Trauma theory was adopted to examine how trauma can disrupt
one’s sense of self, perception of the world, and overall well-being. The analysis reveals that childhood
neglect trauma emanates from deprivation of physical and mental needs of
children, emotional torture, and rejection. This trauma manifests through
self-blame, shame, and social difficulties. As portrayed in the novels,
children can only overcome this trauma when there is adequate provision of
physical and mental securities, stable living conditions, and supportive
community interventions. Thus, the results highlight the
importance of taking cultural contexts into account when addressing child
neglect trauma, and this study advances our understanding of the trauma
associated with child neglect in Yoruba society while also confirming the necessity
of policy implementation and literary representation to address this issue.
Keywords:
Child Neglect, Trauma, Trauma
Manifestation, Trauma Recovery, Yoruba Novels
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2025.v04i01.014
author/Bolarinwa, A. & Abbass, K.F.
journal/Tasambo JLLC 4(1) | May 2025 |
