Film, Leisure, and Urban Life in West Africa

Abstract

challenges. While the themes of gender stereotypes, women’s roles in political and social movements, and contemporary challenges are the book’s three strongest thematic strengths, there are many others, including women’s economic roles. Important to note in this regard is Chapter Nine where co-editor Claire Robertson discusses enslaved women’s economic and social contributions to various African societies. She points out that the majority of enslaved people in Africa were women, particularly because of the economic and social services that they provided as well as the view that they were more assimilable. Robertson connects new forms of slavery — as seen in women’s trafficking and factory labor — and the contemporary challenges that they pose for women’s rights to the shortcomings of the world capitalist economy. The variety of themes that this volume addresses and the accessible language in which the chapters are written makes it an excellent course material for undergraduate and graduate classes and an invaluable reference for people interested in grasping an overview of scholarship on African women.