THE EFFECT OF ACADEMIC FEMINIST THEORIES ON SOCIETAL PERCEPTIONS OF EQUALITY AND MARITAL FIDELITY: A CASE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES IN IBADAN

Background of the Study

Academic feminist theories have significantly influenced global discourses on gender equality, social justice, and the roles of women in society. These theories, including liberal, radical, and postmodern feminism, provide frameworks for understanding power dynamics, gender oppression, and the construction of societal norms. In Nigerian university communities, particularly in Ibadan, academic feminism has gained traction among students, faculty, and activists who engage with feminist literature, theories, and practices. This engagement has shaped societal perceptions of equality, often challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for equal opportunities for both men and women.

However, while academic feminism has contributed to the empowerment of women and a broader understanding of gender equality, it has also influenced perceptions of marital fidelity. The intersection of feminist ideologies with societal norms surrounding marriage has sparked debates on the legitimacy of traditional gender roles in relationships, particularly regarding fidelity and the expectations placed on men and women within marriage. This study aims to explore the effect of academic feminist theories on societal perceptions of equality and marital fidelity, focusing on university communities in Ibadan, where academic discourse often intersects with personal and social beliefs.

 

Statement of the Problem

While academic feminist theories have been pivotal in promoting gender equality, their influence on societal perceptions of marital fidelity remains an underexplored area in Nigerian academic communities. This study seeks to investigate how academic feminist perspectives on gender equality have shaped attitudes toward marital fidelity, particularly in university communities in Ibadan. The findings will help determine whether feminist ideologies challenge or reinforce traditional marital norms in these academic settings.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine how academic feminist theories have influenced perceptions of gender equality among university communities in Ibadan.

To assess the impact of academic feminist theories on societal views regarding marital fidelity within these communities.

To explore the relationship between academic feminism and traditional views on marriage and fidelity in Nigerian university settings.

 

Research Questions

How have academic feminist theories influenced perceptions of gender equality among university communities in Ibadan?

What impact have feminist theories had on societal views of marital fidelity in Ibadan university communities?

How do university students and faculty in Ibadan reconcile feminist ideologies with traditional views on marriage and fidelity?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will provide insights into the influence of academic feminist theories on the changing perceptions of gender equality and marital fidelity in Nigerian university communities. Understanding this relationship will help universities, policymakers, and gender scholars better address the social implications of feminist ideologies on marital relationships, particularly in academic environments. The findings will also contribute to the broader discourse on the integration of feminist theories into everyday practices and beliefs.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on university communities in Ibadan, particularly students and faculty members who actively engage with academic feminist theories. The research will explore how these individuals perceive gender equality and marital fidelity, but it will not address other Nigerian communities or rural areas. The study will be limited to exploring the influence of feminist academic theories and will not investigate other factors contributing to changing perceptions of marriage.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Academic feminist theories: Scholarly frameworks that analyze gender inequality, oppression, and the social construction of gender roles, often advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women.

Marital fidelity: The commitment to remain faithful to one’s spouse, typically involving emotional and sexual exclusivity within the marriage.

Gender equality: The belief in the equal rights, opportunities, and treatment of men and women, particularly in terms of social, economic, and political involvement.

 

References

Akinyemi, O. T. (2020). The influence of academic feminism on gender equality perceptions in Nigerian universities. Journal of African Feminist Thought, 13(1), 72-85. Retrieved from https://www.jaft.org/academic-feminism-gender-equality

Okafor, C. M. (2021). Feminist theories and marital fidelity in Nigerian university communities. Journal of Gender Studies, 19(4), 103-118. Retrieved from https://www.jgs.org/feminism-marital-fidelity