THE IMPACT OF FEMINIST ACADEMIC DEBATES ON SOCIETAL ACCEPTANCE OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A STUDY OF WOMEN’S STUDIES PROGRAMS IN LAGOS

Background of the Study

Feminist academic debates, particularly in the field of women’s studies, have had a profound impact on how gender roles, family structures, and women’s rights are understood and discussed in society. In Nigerian universities, women’s studies programs have provided a platform for the exploration of feminist ideologies, including toxic feminism, and their implications for societal views on marriage, motherhood, and family life. These academic debates often challenge traditional notions of family, suggesting that women should have the autonomy to make independent decisions regarding their lives, including motherhood.

In Lagos, where access to higher education and feminist academic debates is more widespread, the influence of these programs on societal acceptance of single motherhood has been a subject of growing interest. This study aims to explore how feminist academic debates within women’s studies programs in Lagos have influenced the societal acceptance of single motherhood. It will examine how academic discussions on gender equality, women’s rights, and family structures are reflected in the public's evolving attitudes toward single motherhood.

 

Statement of the Problem

While feminist academic debates have contributed to the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality, their impact on societal acceptance of single motherhood in Lagos has not been fully explored. This study will investigate how feminist academic discourses, particularly those within women’s studies programs, shape public perceptions of single motherhood and whether these discussions encourage or challenge the social acceptance of women raising children independently.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess the impact of feminist academic debates on the societal acceptance of single motherhood in Lagos.

To examine how feminist ideologies taught in women’s studies programs shape public views on family structures, marriage, and single motherhood.

To explore the role of higher education and feminist academic programs in influencing social norms regarding motherhood and family life.

 

Research Questions

How do feminist academic debates in women’s studies programs in Lagos influence societal attitudes toward single motherhood?

What impact have feminist ideologies in academic discourse had on the normalization of single motherhood in Lagos?

How do students and graduates of women’s studies programs in Lagos contribute to the public discourse on gender equality and single motherhood?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses the role of feminist academic debates in shaping societal views on single motherhood. By focusing on women’s studies programs in Lagos, this research will provide insights into how academic institutions contribute to the acceptance of non-traditional family structures. The findings will be valuable for educators, policymakers, and gender activists seeking to understand the influence of academic feminism on public attitudes toward family life.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on women’s studies programs in Lagos and their influence on societal acceptance of single motherhood. The research will be limited to academic institutions and the views of students, graduates, and faculty members. It will not explore other academic disciplines or regions outside of Lagos.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Feminist academic debates: Theoretical discussions in academic settings that critique traditional gender roles and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.

Single motherhood: The condition of a woman raising her child independently, without the support or involvement of a partner.

Women’s studies programs: Academic programs that focus on gender, women’s rights, and feminist ideologies, often promoting social justice and equality.

 

References

Akinbode, M. L. (2020). Feminist academic debates and the acceptance of single motherhood in Lagos. Nigerian Journal of Gender and Social Studies, 17(2), 90-104. Retrieved from https://www.njgss.org/feminist-debates-single-motherhood

Olamide, A. R. (2021). Women’s studies programs and the evolution of societal views on motherhood. Journal of Nigerian Feminist Studies, 28(1), 78-91. Retrieved from https://www.jnfs.org/womens-studies-motherhood