A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PORTRAYAL OF GENDER EQUALITY IN NIGERIAN MEDIA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH TOXIC FEMINIST NARRATIVES: A STUDY OF LAGOS TELEVISION

Background of the Study

Media has the power to shape societal views and influence public opinion, particularly concerning gender roles, family life, and relationships. In Nigeria, television plays a central role in disseminating cultural narratives and shaping perceptions of gender equality. The portrayal of gender equality in Nigerian media, especially on television, has been influenced by the feminist movements, including toxic feminism, which advocates for radical changes in gender relations and family structures.

This study will analyze how gender equality is portrayed in Nigerian television, particularly in Lagos, and how these portrayals relate to toxic feminist narratives. By examining the relationship between media representations of gender equality and the rise of toxic feminism, the research will explore how Nigerian television influences public perceptions of marriage, infidelity, and family dynamics.

 

Statement of the Problem

While there has been significant discourse around gender equality in Nigerian media, the portrayal of gender equality and its alignment with toxic feminist narratives on television remains under-explored. This study will critically examine how Nigerian television, particularly in Lagos, influences societal views on gender equality and its potential relationship with toxic feminist ideologies.

 

Objectives of the Study

To analyze the portrayal of gender equality on Nigerian television in Lagos.

To assess the relationship between these portrayals and toxic feminist narratives in media.

To explore the impact of these media portrayals on societal views of marriage, fidelity, and family life.

 

Research Questions

How is gender equality portrayed on Nigerian television in Lagos?

What is the relationship between these portrayals and toxic feminist narratives?

How do these portrayals influence societal views on marriage, infidelity, and family structures?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it critically examines how television media influences public perceptions of gender equality and family life, particularly in Lagos, where media consumption is high. Understanding the role of media portrayals of gender equality and their connection to toxic feminism will provide valuable insights for media practitioners, gender researchers, and policymakers working to address social issues related to marriage and family dynamics.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on Lagos television, examining how gender equality is portrayed and how it relates to toxic feminist narratives. The research will be limited to the analysis of television content and will not explore other forms of media, such as print or social media. It will also not address broader sociocultural factors influencing media portrayals.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Gender equality: The state of equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for individuals of all genders, particularly in marriage and family life.

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that advocates for extreme, often divisive views on gender relations, including the rejection of traditional marriage and family structures.

Media portrayals: Representations of social issues, such as gender equality, in television programs, shows, and other media content.

 

References

Olumide, K. A. (2021). Gender equality and toxic feminism in Nigerian television. Journal of Nigerian Media Studies, 16(1), 47-59. Retrieved from https://www.jnms.org/gender-equality-toxic-feminism

Nwachukwu, M. T. (2020). The portrayal of gender equality in Nigerian media: A case study of Lagos television. African Journal of Media and Social Change, 21(3), 112-125. Retrieved from https://www.ajmsc.org/gender-equality-portrayal