THE BOY CHILD QUAGMIRE: ENTRENCHING PATRIARCHY IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

The Nigerian society has historically been influenced by patriarchal structures in which males are frequently perceived as natural beneficiaries, leaders and successors within the family and community. The boy child is often expected to be strong, economically independent, emotionally restrained, physically courageous and prepared to assume responsibility for the family. These expectations may appear advantageous because they confer social privilege on males, but they can also expose boys to neglect, hazardous labour, violence, emotional suppression, educational pressure and premature adult responsibilities. This article argues that the problem is not simply that Nigerian society privileges boys over girls. Rather, patriarchy creates a system in which boys may simultaneously be privileged because they are male and disadvantaged because they are expected to conform to prescribed ideas of masculinity. The result is a paradox. The article utilized the doctrinal research methodology in bringing together its ideas and arguments as it relates to this article. Recommendations were made to see ways to curtail the issues raised to have a balanced society.