A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TOXIC FEMINISM AND TRADITIONAL GENDER ROLES IN THE CONTEXT OF RISING SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A CASE OF PORT HARCOURT COMMUNITIES

Background of the Study

The concept of feminism has undergone significant transformation over the years, with modern feminist ideologies often being classified as either empowering or "toxic," depending on their stance towards traditional social structures. Toxic feminism refers to extreme feminist views that reject traditional gender roles and promote radical changes to family structures, often challenging established norms around marriage, motherhood, and family life. In contrast, traditional gender roles, which have long governed family dynamics in Nigeria, emphasize the importance of marriage, male-female complementarity, and the upbringing of children within a two-parent household.

In Port Harcourt, an urban center in Nigeria with a diverse population, the clash between toxic feminist ideologies and traditional gender roles has become more evident. As societal attitudes evolve, there has been a noticeable rise in single motherhood, particularly among women who identify with or are influenced by feminist ideologies. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of how toxic feminism and traditional gender roles influence the rising trend of single motherhood in Port Harcourt communities, considering both the empowerment that comes with modern feminist ideologies and the challenges associated with rejecting traditional family structures.

 

Statement of the Problem

The growing influence of toxic feminist ideologies has been linked to changing family dynamics, with an increase in single motherhood being one of the most significant trends. However, traditional gender roles, which have long governed Nigerian society, continue to hold strong influence over family structures. This study seeks to critically examine the interplay between these two forces in Port Harcourt, exploring their contributions to the increasing prevalence of single motherhood in the community.

 

Objectives of the Study

To compare the impact of toxic feminism and traditional gender roles on the rise of single motherhood in Port Harcourt communities.

To explore how women in Port Harcourt navigate the tensions between modern feminist ideologies and traditional gender expectations.

To assess the social, psychological, and economic implications of single motherhood influenced by either toxic feminism or traditional gender roles in Port Harcourt.

 

Research Questions

How do toxic feminism and traditional gender roles influence the rise of single motherhood in Port Harcourt communities?

What factors motivate women in Port Harcourt to embrace either toxic feminism or traditional gender roles in their views on motherhood and family?

What are the social and psychological effects of single motherhood shaped by either feminist ideologies or traditional gender expectations in Port Harcourt?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will provide insights into how two contrasting ideologies—toxic feminism and traditional gender roles—affect single motherhood in Nigerian urban communities. Understanding these influences will help policymakers, family counselors, and social workers design interventions that address the challenges faced by single mothers in Port Harcourt. It will also contribute to the broader discourse on gender roles, feminism, and family structures in modern Nigeria.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on Port Harcourt communities and examine the experiences of women who identify with either toxic feminist ideologies or traditional gender roles. It will not address rural communities or those who do not identify strongly with either of the two perspectives. The study will be limited to a qualitative approach, focusing on interviews and surveys with single mothers in the city.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that advocates extreme views on gender relations, rejecting traditional family structures and promoting independence at the cost of conventional roles in marriage and family.

Traditional gender roles: The societal expectations that define and constrain the roles and responsibilities of men and women within the family, particularly regarding marriage and child-rearing.

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

 

References

Akinbode, O. T. (2021). Toxic feminism, traditional gender roles, and single motherhood in Nigerian urban communities. Journal of African Family Studies, 18(3), 102-115. Retrieved from https://www.jafs.org/toxic-feminism-single-motherhood
Eze, A. O. (2020). Gender roles and single motherhood in Port Harcourt: A comparative analysis. Journal of Nigerian Gender Studies, 14(2), 56-68. Retrieved from https://www.jngs.org/gender-roles-single-motherhood