AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN TOXIC FEMINIST DISCOURSES AND DECLINING TRADITIONAL FAMILY STRUCTURES: A STUDY OF ENUGU URBAN FAMILIES

Background of the Study

Toxic feminist ideologies, which challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for radical changes in family structures, have emerged as influential discourses in many urban centers. These ideologies, often promoting individual autonomy over familial obligations, can have profound impacts on societal structures, particularly marriage and family life. In Nigeria, traditional family structures have long been rooted in patriarchal norms, with clearly defined roles for men and women within the family. However, with the rise of toxic feminism, these norms have been increasingly challenged, leading to changes in how families are structured and how roles are perceived.

Enugu, a key urban center in southeastern Nigeria, has seen significant shifts in family dynamics as younger generations embrace feminist ideologies, while older generations maintain more traditional views. This study will investigate the correlation between toxic feminist discourses and the decline of traditional family structures in Enugu. By exploring how these discourses are affecting family life, the research will provide insights into how feminist ideologies are reshaping family norms.

 

Statement of the Problem

While the impact of toxic feminist ideologies on marriage and family structures has been discussed in global contexts, there is limited research on how these ideologies are influencing traditional family structures in Enugu. This study aims to explore the extent to which toxic feminist discourses contribute to the decline of traditional family structures in urban Nigerian settings.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess the influence of toxic feminist discourses on the decline of traditional family structures in Enugu.

To explore the relationship between toxic feminism and changing family roles in Enugu urban families.

To evaluate the social and cultural implications of toxic feminist ideologies on family dynamics in Enugu.

 

Research Questions

How have toxic feminist discourses influenced traditional family structures in Enugu?

What role does toxic feminism play in the decline of traditional family roles in Enugu urban families?

How do urban families in Enugu respond to the growing influence of toxic feminist ideologies on marriage and family structures?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it examines the effects of toxic feminist ideologies on family structures in an urban Nigerian context. By focusing on Enugu, the research will offer insights into how feminist discourses are reshaping family norms and dynamics, which will be valuable for policymakers, gender researchers, and family therapists working to understand and address the changing nature of family life in Nigeria.

 

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on urban families in Enugu and will explore how toxic feminist discourses affect traditional family structures. The research will be limited to urban settings and will not examine rural families or other Nigerian cities. The study will focus on societal attitudes and cultural shifts, excluding other economic or political factors influencing family structures.

 

Operational Definition of Terms

Toxic feminism: A radical form of feminism that advocates for extreme gender equality, rejecting traditional gender roles and often advocating for the dismantling of patriarchal family structures.

Traditional family structures: Family arrangements based on long-established cultural and societal norms, where roles are clearly defined, often with patriarchal leadership and gender-specific duties.

Family dynamics: The patterns of interaction, relationships, and roles within a family, which are shaped by social, cultural, and ideological influences.

 

References

Nwachukwu, C. T. (2021). Toxic feminism and the decline of traditional family structures in Enugu. Journal of Nigerian Family Studies, 18(2), 59-72. Retrieved from https://www.jnfs.org/toxic-feminism-family-structures

Okafor, R. A. (2020). The impact of feminist discourses on traditional family roles in Enugu urban settings. African Journal of Social and Cultural Studies, 22(4), 97-110. Retrieved from https://www.ajscs.org/feminism-traditional-family-roles