The Effects of Colonialism and Capitalism on Social Stratification and Class Struggle within the Igbo Community as Depicted in Things Fall Apart

Abstract

This study examines the impact of colonialism and capitalism on social stratification and class struggle within the Igbo community, as depicted in Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart". It analyzes how the imposition of colonial rule and capitalist ideologies disrupted traditional Igbo social structures, exacerbating class divisions and creating new forms of social inequality. The research explores how the characters' experiences and struggles reflect the broader themes of cultural disruption, economic exploitation, and resistance to colonial domination. Through a critical examination of the novel, this study reveals how the introduction of Western values and economic systems eroded traditional Igbo social norms, leading to the emergence of new class dynamics and social hierarchies. The analysis highlights the tensions between the traditional Igbo society and the imposed colonial system, shedding light on the complex dynamics of power, inequality, and resistance in postcolonial Igbo society. By examining the intersections of colonialism, capitalism, and social class, this study provides a nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the Igbo community during the colonial era.

Keywords: Colonialism, Capitalism, Social Stratification, Class Struggle, Igbo Community, Postcolonial Society, Cultural Disruption, Economic Exploitation, Resistance