| dc.description.abstract | Being humane is a primary requirement for mutual and healthy relations in society. Recent studies have shown that humanness is built on the assertion that ‘I am because you are, and because you are, so I am.’ Accordingly, humanism is the lifeblood that nourishes an integrated and cohesive community, where the respect and dignity of every individual are upheld. As such, in many African societies, emphasis is placed on oneness, sharing, hospitality and dignity that have continued to sustain humane interactions and co-existence. However, owing to social changes caused by modernity and globalisation, social structures have changed hence influencing African Humanism. Therefore, this study analysed popular fiction to point out how socio-economic changes impact African humanism. Though popular literature is a genre that was previously dismissed as less significant, this study notably unravelled the depiction of humaneness in contemporary society. Meja Mwangi’s popular fiction, Kill Me Quick (1973), Going Down River Road (1976) and The Cockroach Dance (1979) was critiqued in researching this question, given that literature reflects society. In particular, this study was interested in the depiction of humanness in these popular novels. The selected texts are Mwangi’s urban trilogy, among his forty-six novels. Secondary sources obtained from relevant journals articles, books, theses and the internet augmented the discussions for the study. The objectives of this study were: first, to discuss the extent to which social structures impact African humanism in Mwangi’s selected novels; second, to examine the portrayal of African humanism in Mwangi’s selected novels; third, to explore Mwangi’s narrative techniques to depict African humanism in the selected novels. Qualitative approach was used in the study with analytical research design employed in the collection and analysis of data. Data gathered was analysed through content analysis. The study population comprised Kenyan popular fiction, focusing specially on novels by Meja Mwangi. Purposive sampling technique was employed, with the inclusion criterion being Mwangi’s novels that address the humanistic issues being investigated. The sampled texts were Mwangi’s three urban-based novels mentioned above. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources through close textual reading. Data analysis was conducted using a Marxist theoretical framework. Data collected was categorised along with the study’s units of analysis, namely Mwangi’s thematic concerns on humanism, characterisation, and narrative techniques. This study established that in Mwangi’s novels, social structures influence the humaneness of individuals. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to existing knowledge on humanism in literature and art. The study provides a basis for future research in literature, particularly that focusing on popular fiction and its reflections of Utu. Knowledge generated in the study is expected to help improve the quality of people’s lives in a social environment, by realising the essence of African humanism in fostering healthy relationships with the self and others in society. | en_US |