CULTURAL NARRATIVES OF INFIDELITY: EXPLORING SOCIETAL JUSTIFICATIONS FOR SIDE-CHICK RELATIONSHIPS IN NIGERIA

Background of the Study

Infidelity has long been a controversial issue in Nigerian society, where cultural expectations surrounding marriage and gender roles are deeply entrenched. The phenomenon of side-chick relationships, wherein married men engage in extramarital affairs, has gained increasing visibility in recent years, leading to diverse interpretations and justifications within the cultural narrative. These relationships are often seen as a direct challenge to the traditional values of marriage, yet there are also various cultural beliefs that provide rationalisations for the actions of those involved.

In some Nigerian cultures, male infidelity is overlooked or even implicitly accepted as part of a man's societal role. Meanwhile, women involved as side-chicks may be viewed differently depending on their socio-economic status, motivations, and the circumstances surrounding the relationship. This study aims to explore how cultural narratives shape the perception of side-chick relationships and how societal norms either justify or condemn such affairs.

 

Statement of the Problem

The existing literature on infidelity in Nigeria tends to focus on the emotional and psychological effects, but there is a paucity of research into the cultural narratives that justify side-chick relationships. This study aims to fill that gap by critically analysing societal views on side-chicks and the justifications for infidelity embedded in Nigerian culture.

 

Objectives of the Study

To identify and analyse the cultural narratives that justify or condemn side-chick relationships in Nigeria.

To explore the social and cultural factors that contribute to the acceptance or rejection of infidelity involving side-chicks.

To assess the implications of these cultural justifications on marital relationships and societal values.

 

Research Questions

What are the cultural narratives that justify side-chick relationships in Nigerian society?

How do societal norms influence the acceptance or rejection of infidelity involving side-chicks?

What are the social implications of cultural justifications for side-chick relationships in Nigeria?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural narratives shape the way infidelity is perceived in Nigerian society. It will also help to explain the persistence of side-chick relationships and provide insights into how such narratives influence marital relationships and gender dynamics. This research will be valuable to policymakers, family counsellors, and cultural scholars who seek to address the impact of infidelity on Nigerian marriages.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on the cultural narratives prevalent in urban and semi-urban Nigerian societies, particularly among married men and their involvement with side-chicks. The research will not explore rural perspectives or the legal aspects of infidelity.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Side-chick: A woman who is involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with a married man outside of his primary marriage.

Cultural narratives: The collective societal beliefs, stories, and justifications that shape people's perceptions and behaviours.

Infidelity: The act of being unfaithful to a spouse, typically involving a sexual relationship outside of the marriage.

 

References

Adebayo, A. S. (2020). Cultural perspectives on infidelity in Nigerian society. African Journal of Sociology, 27(3), 45-58. Retrieved from https://www.africanjournalsociology.org

Olabode, T. O. (2019). Cultural justification of infidelity in Nigeria: A gendered analysis. Journal of African Gender Studies, 32(2), 101-115. Retrieved from https://www.jafgs.org