AN ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS’ ROLES IN CHALLENGING TOXIC FEMINIST NARRATIVES: A CASE OF LAGOS UNIVERSITY GENDER STUDIES DEPARTMENTS

Background of the Study

Educational institutions, particularly universities, have long been spaces for the dissemination and critique of social theories, including feminist ideologies. In recent years, gender studies departments in Nigerian universities have become important venues for discussing feminist narratives, including toxic feminism. Toxic feminism, which challenges traditional gender roles and family structures, has sparked debates regarding its potential implications for marriage and family life. Universities, especially those with well-established gender studies departments, have a significant role in shaping the discourse around these feminist narratives and their broader societal impact.

This study focuses on Lagos universities, particularly their gender studies departments, and explores how educational institutions engage with toxic feminist ideologies. It will assess the extent to which universities are challenging or reinforcing these narratives, particularly in relation to their influence on perceptions of marriage, gender roles, and family structures.

 

Statement of the Problem

While universities in Nigeria are increasingly engaged in feminist discourse, the role of these institutions, specifically their gender studies departments, in challenging or propagating toxic feminist ideologies is not well understood. This study will investigate how these departments address toxic feminist narratives and the implications of their stance on marriage and family life.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate how Lagos universities' gender studies departments engage with toxic feminist narratives.

To assess the extent to which educational institutions challenge or reinforce toxic feminist views on marriage and family roles.

To examine the impact of these academic discussions on students’ perceptions of marriage, gender equality, and family structures.

 

Research Questions

How do gender studies departments in Lagos universities engage with toxic feminist ideologies?

To what extent do these departments challenge or reinforce toxic feminist narratives about marriage and family?

What impact do the discussions in these departments have on students' views of marriage and family life?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it offers an in-depth analysis of the role of educational institutions in shaping feminist discourse, particularly in relation to marriage and family structures. The findings will be valuable for policymakers, educators, and gender activists seeking to understand how academic institutions contribute to or challenge the rise of toxic feminist ideologies in Nigerian society.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on Lagos universities, specifically their gender studies departments. The research will be limited to analyzing how academic discussions influence perceptions of marriage and family, without examining broader societal responses or the experiences of students outside of these academic settings.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that advocates for radical changes in gender relations and family structures, often rejecting traditional roles and emphasizing extreme individual autonomy.

Gender studies departments: Academic departments in universities dedicated to the study of gender, sexuality, and feminist ideologies.

Marriage and family structures: The traditional roles, responsibilities, and expectations within marriage and family life, often influenced by cultural norms.

 

References

Nwosu, P. I. (2021). Gender studies departments and their role in challenging toxic feminist narratives in Lagos universities. Nigerian Journal of Gender and Social Change, 19(3), 67-80. Retrieved from https://www.njgsc.org/gender-studies-toxic-feminism

Ibe, M. R. (2020). Toxic feminism in higher education: A study of Lagos university gender studies departments. Journal of Nigerian Feminist Research, 22(4), 92-105. Retrieved from https://www.jnfr.org/toxic-feminism-higher-education