Philippine E-Journals

Ezigbo Mmadu: An Anthropological Investigation into the Concept of a Good Person in Igbo Worldview

Chinyere Ukpokolo

Discipline: Philosophy, Sociology

 

Abstract:

This paper attempts to delve into an anthropological investigation of what embodies an ezigbo mmadu (good person) in Igbo worldview with the intention of understanding how this conception shapes human behaviour and social interaction in Igbo traditional society. This is against the background of an exploration of the nature of the relationship that exists between the individual and the community in Igbo traditional society. The likely questions this paper seeks to address are: (i) What is the nature of Igbo traditional society that provides the context for individuals and groups interactions? (ii) What is the nature of the relationship existing between the individual and the community in Igbo traditional society? (iii) What is the conception of ezigbo mmadu in Igbo worldview, and how does this shape their construction of interpersonal relationships? (iv) Finally, what are the likely parameters for judging whether a person is ezigbo mmadu(good person) or not. This paper seeks to provide answers to these questions as it investigates the ethical issues that guide intra-group relationships in the Igbo traditional society. Anthropological reports and other literature materials on Igbo people and culture provided data for this study. Also primary data research gathering techniques such as key informant interviews, and participant observation augmented the data generated from the literature. We believe that using the emic approach, that is, insider’s point of view, will help us to understand the people from their perspective in order to represent and interpret their behaviours and conducts the way they understand their worlds. The data collected were analyzed using the techniques of qualitative research.