Artificial Intelligence Versus Emotional Intelligence: The Feminist Perspective in The Nigerian Novel

Abstract

This paper interrogates the intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) from the feminist perspective in the Nigerian novel. The paper notes that while AI is the ability of machines to perform certain functions like humans, EI is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others in order to make informed decisions that will be beneficial to everyone. Using Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, this paper adopts the qualitative research methodology to explore the comparative analysis between the two concepts as it affects human relationships. Adopting the humanist feminist theory that emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence in promoting human well-being and understanding, the paper deconstructs AI as it concerns gender studies because it perpetuates and amplifies existing social bias against women. The paper concludes that AI is just an artificial elongation and perpetuation of the subjugation of the female gender because the negative stereotypes against women are still sustained. This is exhibited through Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (1958) and Eugene in Purple Hibiscus (2006) who are the promoters of Artificial Intelligence. While Emotional Intelligence is portrayed by Ogbuefi Ezeudu in Things Fall Apart (1958) and Fr. Amadi in Purple Hibiscus (2006).