Psychological Colonization and Gendered Power: A Postcolonial Feminist Reading of Bessie Head’s A Question of Power

Abstract

Bessie Head’s novel A Question of Power (1973) offers a profound exploration of psychological colonization, gendered power dynamics, and the interwoven effects of racism, sexism, and cultural domination in postcolonial Africa. Through the protagonist Elizabeth’s internal struggles with identity, oppression, and psychological turmoil, Head highlights the enduring impact of colonial legacies on both personal and societal levels. This study employs a postcolonial feminist framework to examine how power relations between sexes are influenced by historical, cultural, and psychological forces. It also considers the intersections of exploitation, slavery, and economic dependence as mechanisms of colonial and patriarchal control. By foregrounding the experiences of women in postcolonial contexts, the research underscores the role of literature in critiquing hegemonic structures while offering avenues for resilience, self-definition, and cultural reclamation. The study situates Head’s narrative alongside broader discourses on women writers’ contributions to postcolonial literature, highlighting how novels can interrogate colonial histories and challenge ingrained power asymmetries.