AN ASSESSMENT OF TOXIC FEMINIST DISCOURSE ON MARITAL FIDELITY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A CASE OF NIGERIAN SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS

Background of the Study

Social media platforms have increasingly become spaces for individuals, particularly influencers, to express opinions, share ideologies, and shape public perceptions. In Nigeria, the rise of social media influencers has brought various feminist discourses to the forefront, particularly concerning marriage, fidelity, and family dynamics. A significant aspect of these discussions involves the portrayal of "toxic feminism," a term used to describe extreme or radical feminist ideologies that reject traditional gender roles and often promote narratives that challenge established family structures.

Within the context of Nigerian social media, toxic feminist discourse often includes discussions about the perceived oppression of women within marriage, the rejection of marital fidelity as a societal expectation, and the empowerment of women to seek independence outside the confines of traditional relationships. While these discussions are aimed at advocating for gender equality, they also have significant implications for marital stability and single motherhood. This study aims to assess how the discourse surrounding toxic feminism, propagated by Nigerian social media influencers, influences societal views on marital fidelity and contributes to the rise of single motherhood.

 

Statement of the Problem

The discourse surrounding toxic feminism on Nigerian social media has gained considerable attention, with many social media influencers advocating for the rejection of traditional gender norms, particularly those associated with marriage and fidelity. However, little research has been conducted to assess the impact of these ideologies on perceptions of marital fidelity and their contribution to the rise of single motherhood. This study seeks to fill this gap by critically examining how the rhetoric of toxic feminism, promoted by social media influencers, influences marital dynamics and contributes to the increasing trend of single motherhood in Nigerian society.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate how toxic feminist discourse on Nigerian social media influences perceptions of marital fidelity.

To assess the impact of social media influencers’ feminist narratives on the rise of single motherhood in Nigeria.

To explore the broader societal implications of toxic feminist discourse on family structures and relationships in Nigerian society.

 

Research Questions

How does toxic feminist discourse, as presented by Nigerian social media influencers, influence perceptions of marital fidelity?

What role do social media influencers play in shaping the rise of single motherhood in Nigeria?

How does the growing influence of toxic feminist narratives on social media impact traditional family structures in Nigerian society?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it will provide insights into the role of social media influencers in shaping public perceptions of marriage, fidelity, and family structures in Nigeria. By assessing the impact of toxic feminist discourse, the research will help illuminate how these ideologies contribute to changing attitudes towards marital fidelity and single motherhood. The findings will be valuable to gender researchers, policymakers, and family counsellors who seek to address the social and psychological implications of these evolving narratives.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on Nigerian social media influencers and the influence of their discourse on marital fidelity and single motherhood. It will be limited to influencers who actively discuss feminist ideologies on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The research will not address the influence of traditional media or the general public's responses to these ideologies.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that promotes extreme and radical views on gender equality, often rejecting traditional gender roles and advocating for the dissolution of patriarchal family structures.

Marital fidelity: The state of being faithful to one's spouse in a marriage, typically involving sexual and emotional exclusivity.

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

 

References

Adeyemi, S. O. (2020). The role of social media influencers in shaping feminist discourse and family dynamics in Nigeria. Journal of African Social Media Studies, 9(3), 142-155. Retrieved from https://www.journalofsocialmediastudies.org/social-media-feminism

Ibe, T. O. (2021). Toxic feminism and its influence on family structures in Nigerian social media. Journal of Nigerian Gender Studies, 34(2), 123-135. Retrieved from https://www.jngs.org/impact-social-media-feminism