AN APPRAISAL OF TOXIC FEMINIST RHETORIC IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE AND ITS REFLECTION ON SINGLE MOTHERHOOD TRENDS: A STUDY OF LITERARY REVIEWS IN PORT HARCOURT

Background of the Study

Toxic feminism, often associated with radical ideologies that challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for extreme gender equality, has become a pervasive theme in contemporary literature. Literary works that engage with these ideologies portray women as individuals with the autonomy to reject patriarchal systems, including those associated with marriage and motherhood. In some cases, toxic feminist rhetoric in literature can reflect the normalization of single motherhood as a form of female empowerment and independence.

In Port Harcourt, a vibrant cultural and academic hub, literary reviews and critiques have begun to reflect this shift in societal attitudes toward family structures. This study will examine how toxic feminist rhetoric in contemporary literature is reflected in literary reviews and critiques in Port Harcourt, focusing on its influence on perceptions of single motherhood. The research will explore how literary portrayals of women rejecting traditional family structures contribute to the normalization and acceptance of single motherhood as a legitimate and empowering choice.

 

Statement of the Problem

The rise of toxic feminist rhetoric in contemporary literature, particularly its portrayal of single motherhood, has led to shifting perceptions of family structures. However, the extent to which this rhetoric influences public perceptions of single motherhood in Port Harcourt remains underexplored. This study seeks to appraise the relationship between toxic feminist rhetoric in literature and the rise of single motherhood, exploring how literary reviews contribute to societal acceptance of this trend.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine how toxic feminist rhetoric in contemporary literature reflects the normalization of single motherhood in Port Harcourt.

To assess the impact of literary reviews in Port Harcourt on societal perceptions of single motherhood.

To explore the broader social and cultural implications of literary portrayals of single motherhood and the feminist ideologies behind them.

 

Research Questions

How does toxic feminist rhetoric in contemporary literature reflect the normalization of single motherhood in Port Harcourt?

What role do literary reviews in Port Harcourt play in shaping public perceptions of single motherhood?

How do contemporary literary portrayals of women rejecting traditional family structures influence societal acceptance of single motherhood?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses the growing influence of literature in shaping public perceptions of social issues, particularly single motherhood. By focusing on literary reviews in Port Harcourt, the research will provide valuable insights into how toxic feminist rhetoric in contemporary literature contributes to the broader cultural acceptance of single motherhood. The findings will be useful for scholars of literature, gender studies, and family dynamics, as well as for literary critics and cultural policymakers.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on literary reviews and critiques in Port Harcourt, particularly those discussing contemporary literature that engages with toxic feminist rhetoric. It will not explore other forms of media, such as films or social media, or examine other regions outside of Port Harcourt. The study will be limited to exploring how literature reflects and shapes perceptions of single motherhood, without addressing the broader causes or socio-economic factors.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that advocates radical views on gender equality, rejecting traditional gender roles and challenging conventional family structures, including marriage and motherhood.

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

Literary reviews: Critical evaluations and analyses of literary works, often published in academic journals, magazines, or newspapers, that assess the themes, style, and societal implications of literature.

 

References

Eze, L. F. (2020). Toxic feminism in contemporary Nigerian literature: A reflection on single motherhood. Journal of African Literary Criticism, 22(4), 98-110. Retrieved from https://www.jalc.org/toxic-feminism-single-motherhood

Adebayo, S. I. (2021). Feminist rhetoric and the normalization of single motherhood in Port Harcourt’s literary circles. Nigerian Journal of Gender and Literature, 17(3), 71-85. Retrieved from https://www.njgl.org/feminist-rhetoric-single-motherhood