Dress and Gender in Kalabari Women's Societies

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of dress in Kalabari women's societies of Nigeria Dress is examined as a form of non-verbal communication symbolizing changing gender roles among Kalabari women. Dress in this context also acts as a visual form of social control related to status, gender, and ethnic identity. The development and proliferation of Kalabari women's societies from the late 1960s is shown to be linked to political and socioeconomic developments within Nigeria. As roles for many Kalabari women are moving in the direction of increased social and political achievement, so too, does their dress reflect this change. As women redefine their norms of dress with women's societies, they visually reinforce their ability to ascend politically and economically in Kalabari society.