CROWTHER JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

This paper critically examines stereotypes about Gen Z women, particularly in marriage union, through the lens of Igbo cosmology. The study seeks to challenge the prevailing narratives that point Gen Z women as overly individualistic, addicted to internet and disengaged from traditional values. Via utilizing an interdisciplinary approach combining ethical frameworks from religion and sociology, this research aims to present a refined understanding of Gen Z women in the context of Igbo culture. This paper adopts Intersectionality Theory in evaluating its insights. The methodology is qualitative, relying on semi-structured interviews with Gen Z women in Igbo households, as well as ethnographic observations and secondary literature on Igbo cosmology. Data analysis employs thematic coding to identify recurring patterns in how these women perceive their roles and responsibilities within their homes, and how their world views align or diverge from traditional Igbo values. A significant gap in knowledge lies in the absence of studies that link Gen Z matrimonial dynamics with indigenous African cosmologies, specifically those that highlight how tradition and modernity coexist for these women. The findings reveal that Gen Z women are negotiating a balance between individual aspirations and collective family responsibilities, guided by a reinterpretation of Igbo values such as communalism, respect, submission to the patriarch of the family; and adaptability: Often, when they struggle to cope with these perceived pressures, they may resort to divorce or be misled into it. Recommendations include awareness education on the peculiarities of Gen Z women; seeking counseling or mediation services; alongside cultivating support networks. This research is conducted with a focus on the urban areas of Awka North and South Local Government Areas in Anambra State, Nigeria

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