Powerlessness, Learned-Helplessness And Gender Inequality Discourse In Nigeria

In Nigeria, gender inequality is a topical issue and a lot of resources and efforts are being expended every year in attempts at redressing the disparities between the gender divide. This paper examines the nexus between systemic oppression and women learned helplessness and apathy to gender inequality discourse in Nigeria. This paper specifically explore women powerlessness and learned helplessness as out-come of patriarchy, systemic oppressions and other overt and covert societal practices which a priori discouraged women from aspiring to and assuming leadership role and interest in other power and authority wielding positions in the society. The paper traced the origin of powerlessness and helplessness to the stereotyped socialization of the girl child who is nurtured to be home maker, passive observer of the societal processes, and receivers of crumbs from men's tables rather than active participants' competitor for power-positions in the society. Later in life this biased socialization is enhanced by coverts and overt systemic oppression and discriminatory practices against the women folks who with time resign to fate and give up hope of attaining power parity with men.