The novel, "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, takes place in a village called Umuofia in Nigeria decades ago.

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Umuofians observed their own religion which involves several gods and strange rites and practices. The Umuofian society was polygamous, and men held more power than women. Only men were allowed to hold positions of authority in the village. A man who had taken no title was called an 'agbala', which was also the word for 'woman'. Even stories and crops were differentiated as men's or women's: "...the kind of story...were for foolish women and children". Also, yam, which stood for manliness was "the king of crops". Okonkwo taught Nwoye that a man should "be able to control his women-folk". Women lived with their husband and had to be paid for before marriage. Okonkwo, when doubting himself, compared himself to a "shivering old woman". Women were made to fear the 'egwugwu' and women would be specially selected to pattern their hut. During hearings, women would onlook like outsiders. As per the customs of Umuofia, there were certain tasks that were to be carried out only by women. One of the most revered supreme beings was a goddess- the goddess of the earth. The Oracle of the Hills and Caves was impersonated by a priestess. These priestesses were very powerful and greatly feared. A man's first wife, however, held some amount of authority in some circumstances. This is evident as Nwakibie's first wife was described to have "authority in her bearing" as her appearance reflected herself to be the "ruler of the womenfolk in a large and prosperous family". Okonkwo's wives play the role of any wife. They cook for him and have his food served to him by his daughters. They decorate the 'obi' when there is festivity, take care of the children, plant 'womanly' crops and carry out other duties of a wife. Ironically, his favourite child is a girl, as she seems to emulate more 'masculine' qualities than his sons. This daughter, Enzinma, was the only of his immediate family members who would always support and understand him during his exile. The role of a mother, in the second part of the book, greatly impacts Okonkwo's life as he seeks refuge in his motherland when he is exiled for seven years. Okonkwo clearly misunderstands and overlooks the power of femininity. When Ofoedu brings to Okonkwo and Obierika the news of Ogbuefi Ndulue's death, the relationship between he and his wife is discussed. It was said that the two shared one mind and he did nothing without telling his wife. Okonkwo reads this as a sign of Ndulue's weakness, but, however, he led Umuofia to war in his younger days. When Okonkwo moves to Mbanta, his uncle asks his about questions about the supremacy of females which Okonkwo is unable to answer. Okonkwo's uncle, Uchendu, explains that a mother comforts and protects her child. A common Umuofian name is 'Nneka' meaning 'Mother is supreme'. This misunderstanding is also reflected in his ruthless treatment of his wives. He does appreciate the role they play in his life and is greatly angered when they make small mistakes. The theme of 'masculinity and femininity' is very important in this novel. Gender disparity is especially highlighted by this novel as it is encouraged by the religion and culture of the Umuofians at that time in history.