A STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF TOXIC FEMINIST ADVOCACY ON LEGAL REFORMS RELATED TO SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A CASE OF LAGOS LEGISLATIVE BODIES

Background of the Study

Toxic feminism, often associated with radical ideologies that challenge traditional gender roles and family structures, has increasingly become a focal point in global discussions on gender equality. While feminist movements have been integral in advocating for women’s rights, toxic feminism tends to reject conventional family structures, emphasizing women’s autonomy and independence at times to the detriment of traditional marriage norms. This shift has had profound implications not only in social attitudes but also in legal reforms.

In Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and legislative capital, the evolving feminist discourse has influenced policymaking, particularly in areas related to family law, single motherhood, and women’s rights. The legal recognition and support for single motherhood, including child custody laws, financial support, and social services, are areas that have been increasingly scrutinized through the lens of feminist advocacy. This study will explore how toxic feminist advocacy has influenced legal reforms related to single motherhood in Lagos, particularly within legislative bodies.

 

Statement of the Problem

While feminist advocacy has been influential in pushing for gender equality, the specific impact of toxic feminist ideologies on legal reforms related to single motherhood remains underexplored. This study will examine the influence of toxic feminist advocacy on legal changes regarding the rights of single mothers, with a focus on how Lagos legislative bodies have responded to these influences in their policymaking.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess the influence of toxic feminist advocacy on legal reforms related to single motherhood in Lagos.

To evaluate the impact of these legal reforms on single mothers’ rights and social support systems in Lagos.

To explore how legislative bodies in Lagos have incorporated toxic feminist perspectives into family law reforms concerning single motherhood.

 

Research Questions

How has toxic feminist advocacy influenced legal reforms related to single motherhood in Lagos?

What impact have these legal reforms had on the rights and social support systems for single mothers in Lagos?

How do Lagos legislative bodies integrate toxic feminist ideologies in the creation or revision of family law concerning single motherhood?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it examines the intersection between toxic feminist advocacy and legal reforms regarding single motherhood in Lagos, Nigeria. It will provide valuable insights into how feminist ideologies influence the legal landscape surrounding family law and single mothers' rights. The findings will be useful for lawmakers, gender equality activists, and social policy experts working to address the challenges faced by single mothers in Nigeria.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on legal reforms in Lagos, particularly those related to family law and single motherhood. The research will examine legislative bodies and legal documents, focusing on the influence of toxic feminist perspectives. It will not cover rural areas or examine the broader Nigerian legal system outside Lagos.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that advocates for extreme, often divisive views on gender relations, rejecting traditional gender roles and promoting radical shifts in societal norms, especially in marriage and family life.

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

Legal reforms: Changes or updates to laws and policies, particularly those related to family law, that address issues such as women’s rights, single motherhood, and gender equality.

 

References

Adebayo, S. M. (2021). Toxic feminism and legal reforms on single motherhood in Lagos. Journal of Nigerian Family Law, 18(4), 102-115. Retrieved from https://www.njfl.org/toxic-feminism-single-motherhood

Olumide, A. O. (2020). Feminist advocacy and family law reforms in Lagos: A legal perspective. Journal of African Gender Law, 25(1), 72-85. Retrieved from https://www.jagl.org/feminist-advocacy-single-motherhood