Introduction

Currently, virtually seven million Tanzanians use social media for varying purposes. The central issue has been how social media has been affecting many of Tanzania’s patriarchal traditions, such as the choosing of one’s husband, female genital mutilation, and equal access to formal education. Whether through content creation or ordinary news reporting, most of these traditions are now explicitly depicted, and together with modern education, people are becoming more aware of the rights of women and of respectful ways to treat them. This article discusses how social media influences the mindset shift towards Tanzania’s patriarchal traditions.

Social Media versus Tanzania’s Patriarchal Traditions

African mothers have for decades imparted to their daughters that they must respect and even submit fully to their husbands’ needs and wants. However, due to contemporary developments in education and exposure to significant undertakings in matters of human rights, equality, and equity, African women have become more aware of their rights, and men have, to a certain extent, learnt to recognise the importance of treating their wives and women in general fairly. Some conservative mothers and fathers in African families are nowadays even learning to be more liberal in their children’s upbringing.

A Clash Between Conformities

In the context of globalisation and the influence of social media, this is a remarkable achievement; however, for patriarchal traditions, it represents a significant setback. Since people have always adhered to their traditions, they will always fight to preserve them. Social media will always be there to show people what is going well in their lives, as well as what could be improved in their lifestyles. Therefore, instead of African culture fearing social media and endlessly blaming it for the moral deterioration of its people, it should leverage such platforms to showcase the richness of African culture — the various traditional dances (ngoma), rites, and rituals such as traditional male circumcision, among others — by investing more in content creators, as Tanzania and Kenya have already begun to do.

Conclusion

Social media and African culture will forever exist in a clash between conformities, as each, in its own way, will seek to ensure its propagation and survival. The important focal point is their moderated coexistence, as both are fundamentally vital to the contemporary world. In Tanzania, for instance, the National Council of Arts, BASATA, could strengthen its collaboration with local content creators and artists to develop practical incentives that help promote Tanzania’s traditions through social media. The promotion of a nation’s culture and traditions can open doors for investment in other sectors, such as tourism and trade.

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