THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT DISCOURSES ON TOXIC FEMINISM AND MARITAL COMMITMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS ENTREPRENEURIAL HUBS

Background of the Study

Economic empowerment for women has long been a cornerstone of feminist discourse, with the aim of giving women the financial independence to make autonomous decisions. However, when combined with toxic feminist ideologies that advocate for radical gender equality, economic empowerment can have unintended consequences on marital commitment. Toxic feminism promotes extreme autonomy, often rejecting traditional roles in marriage and family life. This may lead to challenges in maintaining marital commitment, especially in a society like Nigeria, where traditional marriage values emphasize the roles of men and women within the home.

Lagos, as Nigeria's commercial hub and a center for entrepreneurship, has seen a rapid increase in female entrepreneurs. These women are more economically independent than ever before, which may influence their views on marriage and marital commitment. This study will explore how economic empowerment discourses interact with toxic feminist ideologies and how this interplay influences marital commitment in Lagos, particularly in entrepreneurial hubs.

 

Statement of the Problem

While economic empowerment has been celebrated as a tool for women’s independence, its intersection with toxic feminism may create challenges for marital stability in Lagos. This study seeks to examine how economic empowerment discourses contribute to the rise of toxic feminist ideologies and their effect on marital commitment, particularly within Lagos’ entrepreneurial sectors.

 

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the role of economic empowerment discourses in shaping toxic feminist ideologies in Lagos.

To assess the impact of toxic feminism on marital commitment among female entrepreneurs in Lagos.

To explore how the interplay between economic empowerment and toxic feminism influences marital stability in Lagos.

 

Research Questions

How do economic empowerment discourses contribute to the rise of toxic feminist ideologies in Lagos?

What impact do toxic feminist ideologies have on marital commitment among female entrepreneurs in Lagos?

How does the combination of economic empowerment and toxic feminism influence marital stability in Lagos?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it provides an examination of how economic empowerment and feminist ideologies intersect to influence marital dynamics in Lagos. Understanding the impact of these discourses will help policymakers, marriage counselors, and gender activists address the challenges posed by economic independence and feminist thought in modern Nigerian marriages.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on female entrepreneurs in Lagos and the influence of economic empowerment and toxic feminism on their marital commitment. The research will be limited to the entrepreneurial hubs in Lagos and will not extend to other regions or sectors. It will focus on female entrepreneurs and will not examine the experiences of women outside of these contexts.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Economic empowerment: The process of granting women the financial independence and decision-making power to support themselves and their families.

Toxic feminism: A form of feminism that promotes extreme gender equality, often rejecting traditional family structures and gender roles.

Marital commitment: The emotional and legal dedication to maintaining a marriage, typically involving trust, loyalty, and shared responsibilities.

 

References

Ijeoma, A. T. (2021). Economic empowerment and marital commitment among female entrepreneurs in Lagos. Journal of African Entrepreneurial Studies, 22(2), 44-58. Retrieved from https://www.jaes.org/economic-empowerment-marital-commitment

Olamide, R. F. (2020). The intersection of economic empowerment and toxic feminism in Lagos entrepreneurial hubs. Journal of Nigerian Family and Gender Studies, 21(3), 89-102. Retrieved from https://www.jnfgs.org/economic-empowerment-toxic-feminism