THE EFFECT OF MODERN FEMINIST IDEOLOGIES ON TRADITIONAL MARITAL EXPECTATIONS AND THE RISE OF SINGLE MOTHERHOOD: A CASE OF IBADAN CULTURAL GROUPS

Background of the Study

Modern feminist ideologies have increasingly influenced societal perceptions of marriage, gender roles, and family life. These ideologies challenge traditional marital expectations, often promoting individual autonomy, gender equality, and women’s independence, sometimes at the expense of traditional family structures. In Ibadan, a city with deep cultural roots in southern Nigeria, traditional marital expectations have historically emphasized the roles of men as heads of households and women as caretakers and nurturers within the home. However, modern feminist thought is reshaping these norms, contributing to shifting views on marriage and the rise of single motherhood.

This study will explore the effects of modern feminist ideologies on traditional marital expectations and the rising trend of single motherhood in Ibadan, particularly through the lens of cultural groups. These groups play an influential role in preserving traditional values but may also be impacted by the ongoing societal changes driven by feminist movements. The study will assess how modern feminist ideas have influenced marriage dynamics and whether they have contributed to the increasing normalization of single motherhood.

 

Statement of the Problem

While modern feminist ideologies have been credited with advancing gender equality, their impact on traditional marital expectations and the rise of single motherhood in Ibadan remains an underexplored area. This study aims to examine the extent to which modern feminist ideas have altered traditional views on marriage and family, particularly through the influence of cultural groups in Ibadan. The research will also investigate the implications of these changes on the prevalence of single motherhood.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess how modern feminist ideologies have affected traditional marital expectations in Ibadan.

To explore the influence of modern feminism on the rise of single motherhood in Ibadan.

To examine the role of cultural groups in Ibadan in preserving or adapting to changing views on marriage and family structures.

 

Research Questions

How have modern feminist ideologies affected traditional marital expectations in Ibadan?

What role have feminist ideologies played in the rise of single motherhood in Ibadan?

How do cultural groups in Ibadan respond to the influence of modern feminist thought on marriage and family life?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it explores the intersection of modern feminist ideologies, traditional marital expectations, and the rise of single motherhood in Ibadan, an important cultural hub in Nigeria. By examining how feminist ideas influence traditional values, the research will provide insights into the social and cultural changes affecting marriage and family structures in Nigeria. The findings will be useful for policymakers, gender researchers, and social activists working to understand the dynamics between modern feminist thought and traditional family values.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on Ibadan, specifically examining the impact of modern feminist ideologies on traditional marital expectations and the rise of single motherhood. It will explore the perspectives of cultural groups in Ibadan but will not extend to other regions or rural areas. The study will focus on the influence of feminist ideologies and will not address other factors contributing to marital trends, such as economic or legal influences.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Modern feminism: A contemporary form of feminism that advocates for gender equality, women’s rights, and autonomy, often challenging traditional gender roles and family structures.

Traditional marital expectations: The culturally defined roles and responsibilities of men and women within marriage, often emphasizing male dominance and female domesticity.

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

 

References

Adebayo, M. O. (2021). Modern feminism and the shift in marital expectations in Ibadan. Journal of African Gender and Family Studies, 20(1), 54-66. Retrieved from https://www.jagfs.org/modern-feminism-marital-expectations

Ijeoma, C. T. (2020). Feminist ideologies and the rise of single motherhood in Ibadan. Nigerian Journal of Cultural and Social Change, 18(3), 45-58. Retrieved from https://www.njcs.org/feminism-single-motherhood