Poverty Trauma in Selected Yorùbá Novels

Abstract

Poverty is a pervasive issue in Yorùbá society, leaving devastating effects on both individuals and communities. However, in spites of its widespread presence, the trauma associated with poverty remains underexplored in Yorùbá literature. This study aims to address this gap by examining the presentation of poverty trauma in selected Yorùbá novels with a view to investigate the manifestation and the healing and recovery strategies adopted in the selected novels. This research employs content and literary analysis to examine two selected Yorùbá novels: Ọ̀bàyéjẹ́ by Bùnmi Olújìnmí and Ojú Rí by Kọ́lá Òní. Trauma theory was employed to examine the ways in which traumatic experiences can affect individual’s sense of self, perception of world, and overall well-being. The study reveals that poverty trauma manifests physically, emotionally, and psychologically, leading to anxiety, substance abuse, and family disintegration. The selected novels depict resilience, community support, and cultural coping mechanisms as effective recovery and healing strategies. The analysis highlights the importance of social support, cultural identity, and community resources in mitigating the effects of poverty trauma. This research concludes that addressing the root causes of poverty is crucial to reducing poverty trauma. This study contributes to the understanding of poverty’s effects on mental health in Yorùbá society, emphasizing the need for solutions to address its traumatic consequences.