Gendered Power Relationships and Inequality in Northern Ghana

Abstract

The social intricacies of male–female relationships are discussed in this chapter, as well as power manifestation, exercise and disparities between men and women within the gendered perception of women in Northern Ghana. The chapter highlights how power privileges between women and men can impact their respective livelihoods, options and choices. Gender relationships in the study location were subjective and skewed in favour of men. The data shows that male lineage hierarchies, division of labour and unequal power distribution between women and men appear to compel women into substandard sociopolitical class in personal and civic spheres. This has led to overreliance on men for women’s social and political status attainment and economic survival. The chapter further discusses the constitutional response to gender inequality in Northern Ghana.