THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111
Volume 8, No. 1, 2010
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/0102/80(0180)
Gender Division of Domestic Roles: Implications for Social Equality in Nigeria
Ngozi G. Egbue
Department of Sociology/Anthropology Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
Abstract
Gender inequality constrains economic growth in developing countries. In line with this, gendered division of roles, with particular focus on the domestic sphere, stretches women’s work hours very much beyond those of men, and also engenders lower valuation for women’s work at the domestic as well as macro levels. Although there are recent changes in domestic role division in Nigeria, it still manifests powerful undertones of inequality. This inequality tends to be re-enacted at the macro level in gender based divisions that impinge upon women’s optimal labour force participation necessary for sustainable development. At the domestic level, gender inequality sustains various forms of subordination and injustice including violence against women, and the denial of reproductive rights, inheritance, and other fundamental rights denied women. This paper is a theoretical review of the relationships between gendered domestic role segregation, gender inequality and women’s contribution to sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper concludes by positing some recommendations regarding potential interventions for substantial reduction in domestic and other related forms of gendered inequality.
Keywords: gender, culture, inequality, empowerment, domestic role division