This study explores the indicators that outline the oppression, exclusion and subjugation of Nigerian women in the contemporary world. The study analyses the impacts such as the Nigerian laws, the notion that Nigeria retains a patriarchal social structure, Nigerian politics, and of course most importantly, Nigeria’s economy. The study employs the theoretical framework of the "Black Feminist Theory", which in a nutshell can be described as a sociopolitical and economic perspective that acknowledges the perpetuation of the dominance of Patriarchy in the 21st Century; it is a critical theory, advocating for the dismantling of gender bias categorizations and dichotomies that attribute females with inferior qualities as opposed to their male counterparts. This theory is suitable for the study as it provides a lens with which to analyse and frame the research within a specific boundary that can be managed with relevant discourse; the theoretical framework assists the study with a useful vocabulary to unpack the phenomenon it wishes to investigate.
The study is an extended literature review, sourcing information from online journal articles, library, online articles from organizations, archives, and newsletters; therefore the article is heavily reliant on secondary accessible data. The study employs a qualitative research design, as it deals with unpacking concepts, exploring experiences of individuals in a social environment and dealing with data that is subject to interpretation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical Framework
3. Research design
3.1 Methodology
3.2 Research aim and objective
3.3 Main research question
3.4 Research sub-question
3.5 Rationale for the study
4. Research problem
5. Critical Literature review
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This research investigates the impact of gender inequality on the Nigerian economy and identifies the institutional and social barriers that hinder the economic empowerment of Nigerian women. It specifically explores how patriarchal structures, exclusionary laws, and limited access to finance and education contribute to poverty and stagnate national economic growth.
- Institutional and legal barriers affecting female labor force participation.
- Economic implications of gender-based exclusion in banking and property ownership.
- The role of "Black Feminist Theory" in dismantling patriarchal socio-economic structures.
- The link between gender equality, poverty reduction, and national economic development.
- Policy recommendations for fostering an inclusive economic environment in Nigeria.
Excerpt from the Book
Theoretical Framework
This research study employs the “Black Feminist Theory” as a lens and perspective for its inquiry. The Feminist Theory is considered to be a theory of critique in the study fields of Political Sciences, International Relations and other disciplines such as Sociology. The Black Feminist Theory approach challenges the remnants, status quo and perpetuation of historic oppression of women as contemporaneously manifesting itself subtle ways in the current era. The Black feminist theory critiques the mainstream theories of the political and economic systems to be embedded in patriarchy with institutions and social structures disadvantaging women in favor of men, therefore women advocate for equality in their representation and participation in social, economic and political structures as further outlined in the literature.
Black feminists advocate for more inclusion in the workforce. They argue for equal pay, non-discrimination, more representation in government, recognition of their maternal rights and reducing the stigma of male superiority of females. This theory is suitable in analyzing the research topic as it highlights all angles, from customs, values, conventions, social-cultural determinants, traditions, family structures, social structures, gender relationships in our modern society to be inherently skewed and biased against women in favour of men. This reality can be given its rightful comprehensive discourse when dismantling its existence in the country of Nigeria in the African continent.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the global significance of gender equality and provides an overview of the challenges Nigerian women face regarding economic participation and rights.
2. Theoretical Framework: Explains the utilization of Black Feminist Theory as a critical lens to analyze systemic patriarchal structures in political and economic systems.
3. Research design: Outlines the qualitative methodological approach, the specific research objectives, questions, and the rationale justifying the study.
4. Research problem: Details the systemic oppression and exclusion of women within Nigerian social, political, and economic spheres.
5. Critical Literature review: Synthesizes secondary data regarding the labor force, financial exclusion, and the economic impact of gender inequality in Nigeria.
6. Discussion: Evaluates findings to confirm that gender inequality is a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and development.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings and recommends legislative and structural reforms to promote gender-equitable economic growth.
Keywords
Gender inequality, Nigeria, Black Feminist Theory, Economic empowerment, Patriarchy, Female labor force, Financial exclusion, Social justice, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development Goals, Poverty reduction, Legislative reform, Women’s rights, Economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this research about?
This research investigates how gender inequality acts as a barrier to economic growth in Nigeria and explores the systemic issues that marginalize women in the formal economy.
What are the core research themes?
The core themes include the intersection of law, culture, and tradition in perpetuating patriarchy, financial exclusion of women, and the economic benefits of gender-inclusive policies.
What is the main objective?
The primary objective is to identify barriers to female economic empowerment and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve the economic landscape for Nigerian women.
What methodology is used?
The study utilizes a qualitative research design, relying on extensive document analysis and a critical literature review of secondary data sources.
What is covered in the main section?
The main section covers the application of Black Feminist Theory, an analysis of the Nigerian economic situation, and an extensive review of literature regarding women's status in the labor market and financial sectors.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Gender Inequality, Nigerian Economy, Black Feminist Theory, Patriarchy, Economic Empowerment, and Financial Exclusion.
How does the Nigerian legal system specifically affect women's economic activity?
The research notes that current laws fail to prevent gender-based discrimination in the workplace and provide no protections for women, often deferring instead to traditional or religious customs that favor male authority.
what role does the informal sector play for Nigerian women?
The study highlights that due to high barriers in the formal sector, most women are forced to operate in the informal economy, where productivity is lower and access to financial resources is severely limited.
What projection does this paper offer regarding gender equity and GDP?
It cites studies suggesting that if women participated in the economy at the same level as men, Nigeria could see a significant increase in GDP, potentially amounting to $229 billion by 2025.
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- Jacob Mahlangu (Autor:in), 2023, Gender Inequality in Nigeria's Economy. The Oppression, Exclusion and Subjugation of Nigerian Women, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1381467
