A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS MEDIATING TOXIC FEMINISM’S EFFECTS ON MARRIAGE INTEGRITY: A CASE OF PORT HARCOURT WORKING-CLASS FAMILIES

Background of the Study

Toxic feminism, often described as an extreme or radical form of feminism, challenges traditional gender roles and has garnered attention in various social and cultural discussions. In urban Nigerian communities like Port Harcourt, working-class families are increasingly exposed to the ideologies associated with toxic feminism, which promote women’s independence and question patriarchal family structures. However, the socio-economic context in which these families operate may mediate the effects of toxic feminist ideologies on marriage integrity.

Port Harcourt, being a hub for Nigeria's oil and gas industry, has a significant working-class population where financial pressures, work-life balance, and gender expectations converge. These socio-economic factors, such as income disparities, career ambitions, and household responsibilities, may influence how toxic feminism is perceived and whether it strengthens or weakens marital bonds. This study aims to examine the socio-economic factors that mediate the impact of toxic feminism on the integrity of marriages in Port Harcourt’s working-class families.

 

Statement of the Problem

While the rise of toxic feminism has been linked to changes in family structures and marital integrity, the role of socio-economic factors in shaping its impact on marriage remains underexplored. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how factors such as income, employment status, and gender expectations within working-class families in Port Harcourt mediate the effects of toxic feminism on marital integrity.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess how socio-economic factors mediate the effects of toxic feminism on marriage integrity in Port Harcourt’s working-class families.

To examine the relationship between economic independence and marital stability within the context of toxic feminism.

To explore the impact of career pressures and household financial dynamics on the adoption of toxic feminist ideologies and their consequences for marriage integrity.

 

Research Questions

How do socio-economic factors such as income, employment status, and financial pressures mediate the effects of toxic feminism on marriage integrity in Port Harcourt’s working-class families?

In what ways does economic independence affect marital stability and the adoption of toxic feminist ideologies in working-class households?

How do career ambitions and household responsibilities shape the acceptance of toxic feminism and influence marital dynamics in working-class families?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it explores the intersection of socio-economic factors and feminist ideologies in shaping marriage integrity. By focusing on working-class families in Port Harcourt, the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how economic realities influence the acceptance of toxic feminist ideologies and their impact on marital relationships. The findings will be valuable to policymakers, social workers, and family counselors who seek to address the socio-economic challenges facing modern Nigerian families.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on working-class families in Port Harcourt and how socio-economic factors mediate the impact of toxic feminism on marriage integrity. It will be limited to exploring families with varying income levels and employment types, but it will not include rural populations or those outside of the working class. The study will not address other forms of feminism outside of toxic feminism.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A radical form of feminism that promotes extreme gender equality views, often rejecting traditional gender roles and challenging conventional marriage and family structures.

Marriage integrity: The strength and cohesion of a marriage, characterized by trust, mutual respect, and the willingness of both spouses to maintain the marital relationship.

Socio-economic factors: Factors related to the social and economic conditions of individuals, such as income, employment status, and financial responsibilities, which influence behavior and decision-making.

 

References

Eze, N. O. (2021). Socio-economic factors and the impact of toxic feminism on marriage integrity in urban Nigeria. Journal of African Family and Gender Studies, 23(2), 112-124. Retrieved from https://www.jafgs.org/socio-economic-toxic-feminism-marriage

Okafor, M. A. (2020). Economic independence, toxic feminism, and marital dynamics in working-class families. Nigerian Journal of Social Issues, 27(1), 55-70. Retrieved from https://www.njsi.org/economic-independence-marital-stability