Paper short abstract:

Raising children appropriately is increasingly difficult in Lagos. Women are mainly responsible for childcare and household while also creating income. In light of the absence of men in fertility, I look at the underlying structures and the compatibility of family and work from their perspective.

Paper long abstract:

Families in Lagos, Nigeria, are facing increasing financial pressures due to the economic crisis. Even though this might possibly be a factor for declining birth rates, most people still want to have at least two or three children. To raise these children appropriately, almost all couples have to rely on incomes from both partners. With the conventional role ideals, this means that women are mainly responsible for childcare and household chores while still working outside of the house. Also beyond that, in the fields of fertility, family planning and pregnancy, the absence of men and masculinity seems to persist.

In line with the „seeming over-emphasis on women‘s rights and well-being“ in gender studies, my PhD project and currently ongoing research (04/2023 - 05/2024) focus on formally employed women in Lagos and how they manage their fertility through methods to prevent, time or facilitate births. These can be seen as strategies to make family and career more compatible.

But the underlying structures and role ideals also concern and impact men, which is the topic I propose for this panel. Having several children creates demands in care, household and financial provision. More flexible gender roles with both partners being involved in every aspect of family life could contribute to make it easier. How are colonial „notions of masculinity and femininity“, especially the idea of a housewife, impacting these gender relations? How would role ideals, societal expectations, but also employment relationships and work schedules have to change in order to facilitate that?