Narrowing the Gender Gap in Participation in Elective Politics in Nigeria: The Role of women and their Associations
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015
Authors
Eshiet I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Sociology, University of Lagos
Abstract
The paper investigates gender differentials in participation in elective politics in Nigeria based on secondary sources. The paper situates its analysis within the sociological theories of gender roles. Findings reveal a gender disparity in participation in elective politics, between men and women, with women being disproportionately represented at all levels of political positions. However, evidence shows that a major hindrance to female’s participation in elective politics is the lack of support of female candidates by fellow women, who constitute almost half of the electorates. The paper therefore, calls for a value reorientation and collective support of female candidates (who dare to encroach the political terrain) by fellow women. The paper recommends this should be done through the auspices of women’s associations, who are already entrenched stakeholders in party politics, albeit from a subservient position, as praise singers and dancers during political rallies, in support of male candidates.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Eshiet, I. (2015). Narrowing the Gender Gap in Participation in Elective Politics in Nigeria: The Role of women and their Associations. UNILAG Sociological Review, Vol. XI: 108-136. Lagos: Department of Sociology, University of Lagos