AN EVALUATION OF TOXIC FEMINIST NARRATIVES AND THE RISE OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A STUDY OF FEMINIST ORGANISATIONS IN PORT HARCOURT

 

Background of the Study

Feminism has played a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and empowering women globally. However, certain aspects of the feminist movement, particularly those seen as "toxic feminism," have raised concerns about their impact on family structures and societal norms. Toxic feminism is often described as an extreme and aggressive form of feminism that seeks to dismantle traditional gender roles entirely, sometimes at the expense of family cohesion. This form of feminism has been gaining traction within various feminist organisations across Nigeria, including in Port Harcourt, where many professional women have embraced feminist ideologies while grappling with the societal expectations of marriage and motherhood.

In Port Harcourt, the growing acceptance of feminist ideologies has coincided with a rise in single motherhood, particularly among women who are professionals and career-focused. While feminism has been credited with empowering women, some critics argue that certain feminist narratives undermine traditional family roles, leading to a breakdown in marital stability and contributing to the rise of single motherhood. This study aims to evaluate the role of feminist organisations in Port Harcourt in shaping the rise of single motherhood and how toxic feminist narratives contribute to this trend.

The research will critically analyse how feminist organisations advocate for narratives that challenge traditional family structures and whether these ideologies are linked to the rise of single motherhood, particularly among professional women in Port Harcourt.

 

Statement of the Problem

The rise of single motherhood in Port Harcourt, especially among professional women, has been linked by some observers to the influence of feminist ideologies. While feminist organisations advocate for gender equality, some of their narratives, particularly those associated with toxic feminism, may be inadvertently contributing to the breakdown of marital stability and the rise of single motherhood. This study aims to explore this connection, focusing on how feminist organisations in Port Harcourt shape women’s perceptions of marriage, motherhood, and family structures.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the influence of toxic feminist narratives promoted by feminist organisations on women’s views of marriage and motherhood in Port Harcourt.

To explore the relationship between feminist ideologies and the rise of single motherhood among professional women in Port Harcourt.

To assess the broader social and psychological impacts of toxic feminist narratives on family structures in Port Harcourt.

 

Research Questions

How do feminist organisations in Port Harcourt promote toxic feminist narratives that affect women’s views on marriage and motherhood?

What is the relationship between toxic feminist ideologies and the rise of single motherhood among professional women in Port Harcourt?

How do feminist ideologies influence family structures and societal expectations of women in Port Harcourt?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant in that it will provide critical insights into the impact of feminist narratives on the family structure in Nigeria. By focusing on Port Harcourt, where there is a high concentration of feminist organisations and professional women, the research will offer a detailed evaluation of how feminist ideologies, particularly those seen as toxic, may contribute to the rise of single motherhood. The findings will be valuable to feminist scholars, family counsellors, policymakers, and gender activists seeking to better understand the intersection between feminism and family dynamics.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on feminist organisations in Port Harcourt and their role in shaping the perceptions of marriage and motherhood among professional women. It will examine how feminist narratives, particularly toxic feminism, contribute to the rise of single motherhood in the city. The research will be limited to feminist organisations and professional women and will not examine the broader impact of feminist ideologies on other segments of the population.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that promotes extreme views on gender relations, often rejecting traditional gender roles and advocating for radical change in societal norms, sometimes to the detriment of family structures.

Single motherhood: A situation where a woman raises her child without the involvement or support of a partner.

Feminist organisations: Groups or movements that advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, often challenging traditional gender roles and norms.

 

References

Eze, N. A. (2020). Feminism, family structures, and the rise of single motherhood in urban Nigeria. Journal of Gender and Social Studies, 23(1), 45-58. Retrieved from https://www.jgsstudies.com/feminism-family-structures

Ojo, K. P. (2019). Toxic feminism and its impact on family structures in Port Harcourt. African Journal of Feminist Studies, 15(2), 34-47. Retrieved from https://www.africanjournalfeministstudies.org