A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RURAL VERSUS URBAN MANIFESTATIONS OF TOXIC FEMINISM AND SINGLE MOTHERHOOD TRENDS: A CASE OF IBADAN RURAL AREAS

Background of the Study

Toxic feminism, a term often used to describe radical feminist ideologies that reject traditional gender roles and family structures, has gained increasing visibility in urban settings, particularly among educated and professional women. However, its impact on rural areas remains relatively unexplored. In Nigerian cities like Ibadan, the contrast between rural and urban communities in terms of cultural norms, economic opportunities, and gender expectations offers a unique perspective on how toxic feminism influences family structures, particularly the rise of single motherhood.

In urban areas, where access to education, employment, and feminist discourses is more widespread, toxic feminism may be seen as empowering, advocating for women’s independence and autonomy. In contrast, rural areas often maintain more traditional views on marriage, gender roles, and family life. This study will compare how toxic feminism manifests in rural and urban areas of Ibadan and how these differing perspectives contribute to the rising trend of single motherhood. By focusing on rural areas in Ibadan, the research aims to highlight the socio-cultural and economic factors that mediate the effects of toxic feminism on family structures.

 

Statement of the Problem

While the rise of single motherhood in urban Nigerian communities has been attributed to the influence of toxic feminism, the situation in rural areas is less understood. This study seeks to explore how the manifestations of toxic feminism differ between rural and urban settings in Ibadan and how these differences influence trends in single motherhood. The findings will help provide a nuanced understanding of how rural communities are affected by feminist ideologies in contrast to urban centers.

 

Objectives of the Study

To compare the manifestations of toxic feminism in rural and urban areas of Ibadan.

To assess the impact of toxic feminism on single motherhood trends in rural and urban Ibadan.

To identify the socio-cultural and economic factors that mediate the effects of toxic feminism on family structures in both rural and urban communities.

 

Research Questions

How do the manifestations of toxic feminism differ between rural and urban areas in Ibadan?

What is the relationship between the influence of toxic feminism and the rise of single motherhood in rural and urban Ibadan?

What socio-cultural and economic factors contribute to the differing impacts of toxic feminism on single motherhood in rural and urban communities?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it offers a comparative analysis of how toxic feminism influences single motherhood trends in both rural and urban Nigerian settings. By focusing on Ibadan, the research will provide insights into the distinct social, cultural, and economic factors that shape these trends. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, gender researchers, and social workers seeking to understand the broader implications of feminist ideologies on family life in Nigeria.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on Ibadan, specifically comparing rural and urban communities in terms of the manifestations of toxic feminism and the rise of single motherhood. It will not extend to other regions or rural areas outside of Ibadan. The study will be limited to qualitative research, involving interviews and surveys with residents from both rural and urban areas.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that rejects traditional gender roles and advocates for radical changes to societal structures, particularly marriage and family life.

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

Rural and urban communities: Rural communities are areas with limited access to urban infrastructure, education, and employment, while urban communities are areas characterized by modern amenities, higher education, and greater access to professional opportunities.

 

References

Adeyemi, S. O. (2021). Toxic feminism and single motherhood in rural and urban Nigeria: A comparative study of Ibadan. Journal of African Gender Studies, 27(1), 60-75. Retrieved from https://www.jags.org/toxic-feminism-single-motherhood-ibadan

Olufemi, T. I. (2020). Rural versus urban manifestations of feminist ideologies and family dynamics in Ibadan. Nigerian Journal of Family and Gender Studies, 19(4), 115-128. Retrieved from https://www.njfgs.org/rural-urban-feminism