Introduction

Understanding the societal dynamics in different cultures, particularly Nigeria, sheds light on the often complex relationships between men and women. The treatment of women as second class citizens in certain contexts has been a topic of considerable debate and scrutiny. While the Nigerian society exhibits unique characteristics, it is important to explore these dynamics to foster mutual respect and equality.

Contrasting Societal Norms: A Case Study

The differences in how men and women handle household chores can be striking when compared to the expectations in Western societies. In Nigeria, certain tasks, like operating electronics and managing resources, are predominantly the responsibility of men. This has led to discussions about whether these women are indeed treated as second-class citizens.

Scenario 1: Watching TV

Let us compare two scenarios involving watching TV: one in a Western household and one in a Nigerian household.

Western household

Person sees a desire to watch TV. Removes the remote and presses the appropriate button. TV turns on and the desired program is available.

Note: There is no responsibility for generating electricity or managing resources.

Nigerian household

Woman or person with the desire to watch TV. Man is tasked with starting the generator. He checks fuel and decides on the best transportation mode. The journey to the fuel station involves navigating bad roads and fueling the generator. Switching from generator to utility power requires attention and quick reactions.

Despite the added complexity, women do not traditionally perform these tasks themselves. They rely on men to handle them, emphasizing the perceived second-class status.

Scenario 2: Handling the Fridge

Similar dependencies arise when it comes to managing household appliances like the refrigerator. Men often take the lead, ensuring that electricity is sourced and maintained for essential appliances. Women, in turn, benefit from these facilitated services.

Underlying Factors

Several factors contribute to the perception that Nigerian women are treated as second-class citizens. These include historical and cultural norms, economic responsibilities, and social expectations.

Historical and Cultural Norms

Historically, societal roles in Nigeria have been deeply entrenched, with men often taking on more physical and resource-intensive tasks. These cultural norms persist, leading to certain tasks primarily being carried out by men.

Economic Responsibility

Economic responsibilities, such as managing household finances and ensuring resources are available, are also often handled by men. This further reinforces the idea that women rely on men for basic necessities.

Social Expectations

Social expectations further emphasize these roles. Women are often expected to prioritize family and child-rearing responsibilities, while men take on the roles of providers and maintainers of infrastructure.

Challenging Traditional Norms

While these traditional roles can contribute to the perception of second-class status, it is important to recognize and encourage challenges and changes within the societal norms. These include:

Encouraging women to take on leadership and decision-making roles. Supporting shared responsibilities between men and women. Providing education and awareness on gender equality.

By fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment, the perception of second-class status can be addressed and replaced with a culture of mutual respect and equality.

Conclusion

While it is true that in some contexts Nigerian women may rely on men for certain tasks, this should not be seen as a definitive statement of their status within the society. There is a need to challenge and evolve these traditional norms to create a more just and equitable environment for all.