A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON TOXIC FEMINISM AND THE RISE OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A STUDY OF LAGOS CHURCH COMMUNITIES

Background of the Study

Religion plays a central role in shaping moral and societal views, particularly in Nigeria, where Christianity is a dominant religion. In Lagos, where both modernity and tradition collide, church communities exert significant influence on social issues, including those related to gender roles, marriage, and family life. The rise of toxic feminism, which promotes radical ideas about gender equality, independence, and the rejection of traditional gender roles, has sparked debates within religious communities, particularly regarding its impact on family structures.

Church communities in Lagos, which traditionally emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the importance of the nuclear family, may view toxic feminism as a challenge to their teachings. This study seeks to critically examine religious perspectives on toxic feminism within church communities and explore how these views contribute to or counter the rising trend of single motherhood in Lagos. The research will assess how religious teachings interact with feminist ideologies and influence attitudes toward marriage, divorce, and single motherhood.

 

Statement of the Problem

While religious perspectives on gender roles and family values have long been central to Nigerian society, the rise of toxic feminism and its influence on single motherhood has led to conflicting views within church communities. This study aims to explore how religious leaders and members of church communities in Lagos respond to toxic feminist ideologies and the implications these responses have on the acceptance or rejection of single motherhood.

 

Objectives of the Study

To analyze religious perspectives on toxic feminism within Lagos church communities.

To examine the impact of religious views on the acceptance or rejection of single motherhood in Lagos.

To explore the role of church communities in shaping societal attitudes towards single motherhood in the context of toxic feminism.

 

Research Questions

How do religious communities in Lagos perceive toxic feminism and its impact on gender roles and family structures?

What is the relationship between religious perspectives on toxic feminism and the rise of single motherhood in Lagos?

How do church communities in Lagos contribute to the discourse on single motherhood in the context of toxic feminist ideologies?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it bridges the gap between religious teachings and feminist ideologies in contemporary Nigerian society. By examining how Lagos church communities engage with toxic feminism and its association with single motherhood, the research will provide insights into the role of religion in shaping social norms and attitudes. The findings will be valuable to religious leaders, social workers, and policymakers seeking to address the cultural and social challenges associated with single motherhood and gender equality in Nigerian communities.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on church communities in Lagos, specifically examining religious leaders' and congregants' views on toxic feminism and single motherhood. It will not explore perspectives from other religious groups, such as Islam, or focus on non-religious responses to toxic feminism. The research will be limited to Lagos church communities and will not address rural or other urban settings.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that rejects traditional gender roles and advocates for radical changes to societal structures, often challenging the institution of marriage and family.

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

Religious perspectives: The views, teachings, and doctrines of religious communities or institutions regarding social, moral, and ethical issues.

 

References

Ajayi, O. T. (2021). Religious responses to toxic feminism and its impact on family structures in Lagos. Journal of Nigerian Religious Studies, 22(2), 100-115. Retrieved from https://www.jnrs.org/religious-responses-toxic-feminism

Adebayo, R. S. (2020). Toxic feminism, single motherhood, and church perspectives in Lagos. Journal of African Christian Studies, 16(3), 45-59. Retrieved from https://www.jacs.org/toxic-feminism-single-motherhood