Critical Analysis of Single Motherhood in Funke Akindele’s “a Tribe Called Judah

ABSTRACT
This study examines Critical Analysis of Single Motherhood in Funke Akindele’s: A Tribe Called Judah, to explore the societal attitudes, challenges, and resilience of single mothers. Through a thematic analysis, the research reveals that while single mothers often encounter significant obstacles, including financial instability, social stigma, and emotional distress, they also demonstrate remarkable strength and determination. The film highlights the importance of community support and the role of institutions in addressing the unique needs of single-parent families. By advocating for positive media representation, educational campaigns, and policy reforms, this study emphasizes the necessity of reshaping societal perceptions of single motherhood. The theoretical framework adopted in this study is Social Role Theory Feminist film theory. The sources of data used in this study were secondary, while qualitative data is collected, described and interpreted from secondary sources. The findings revealed that single motherhood, particularly through A Tribe Called Judah, reveals a complex interplay of societal perceptions, challenges, and the resilience of single mothers. The film illustrates that single motherhood is often accompanied by stigma and misconceptions, which can lead to social isolation and economic hardships. It was concluded that the representation of single motherhood in A Tribe Called Judah serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the multifaceted experiences of single mothers. The film not only highlights the significant challenges they face, such as societal stigma, economic hardships, and emotional struggles, but also emphasizes their resilience and capacity for success. It was therefore recommending that Institutions should advocate for policies that address the specific needs of single mothers, including affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Efforts can focus on lobbying for initiatives that improve access to resources and create equitable opportunities for single-parent families. Institutions should provide accessible counseling and mental health services tailored for single mothers. These services can address issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression that may arise from the challenges of single parenthood, as depicted in the film
.