Economic Instability and the Reconfiguration of Gender Roles in Christian Households in North-Central Nigeria

Hillary; Edward Zaman; Musa; Hassan; PhD; Anyebe; Ada; PhD

doi:10.56201/ijelcs.vol.11.no1.2026.pg24.31

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Economic Instability and the Reconfiguration of Gender Roles in Christian Households in North-Central Nigeria

Hillary, Edward Zaman, Musa, Hassan, PhD, Anyebe, Ada, PhD

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of economic instability on the reconfiguration of gender roles within Christian households in North-Central Nigeria, with the primary aim of assessing how economic challenges reshape household role arrangements. The Christian population in the zone was estimated at 12,020,405, from which a purposive sample of 975 respondents was drawn. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire as the principal instrument. The findings revealed that economic instability has significantly altered traditional gender roles in Christian households in the study area, resulting in shared economic responsibilities, changes in domestic role distribution, and shifts in household authority. The study concludes that economic instability has become a critical factor transforming the internal organization of Christian families, as the weakening of the traditional male breadwinner model has necessitated collaborative economic strategies in response to financial strain. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends that Christian churches and faith-based organizations intensify teachings and counseling initiatives that promote equitable role sharing and mutual support within families during periods of economic uncertainty. In addition, policymakers and development agencies are encouraged to design and implement targeted economic empowerment and skill-development programs for both men and women to enhance household resilience and minimize tensions arising from changing gender roles. Key Words: Economic Instability, Reconfiguration, Gender Roles, Christian households, North- Central

Keywords

Economic InstabilityReconfigurationGender RolesChristian householdsNorth- Central

References

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Economic Instability and the Reconfiguration of Gender Roles in Christian Households in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

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