Degree Date

6-2025

Document Type

Thesis- Public Access

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Academic Discipline

Community Psychology

First Advisor

Judah Viola

Second Advisor

Bradly Olson

Third Advisor

Sharon Wasco

Abstract

Traditional institutions in Nigerian communities hold a strong cultural foundation and significantly influence cultural norms and practices. Due to the increasing need for effective community-based approaches in addressing social and health problems on a global scale, we explore the attitudes and behaviors of traditional institutions as custodians of cultural customs and norms related to gender-based violence (GBV) and examine their potential role in ensuring community safety. By addressing harmful gendered norms and practices, traditional institutions could become key agents of change, promoting meaningful social transformations. This study explores the dynamics cultural norms and practices play in community safety, emphasizing the potential for traditional institutions to contribute fresh perspectives and effective community-based strategies for combating GBV. Quantitative data were collected from 88 residents of the southwestern states (Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Ogun), including traditional rulers, community gatekeepers, opinion leaders, and individuals living in these communities.

The study found that cultural norms such as gender roles, female genital mutilation, and child marriage are widely prevalent, with traditional institutions like kings, chiefs, and religious leaders significantly shaping these norms. A substantial majority of respondents (71.3%) acknowledged the influential role of these institutions, despite their limited involvement in combating GBV thus far. Utilizing four new instruments, findings indicated a moderate positive relationship between perceptions of traditional institutions and feelings of safety, suggesting that individuals who feel safer are more likely to trust these institutions' effectiveness in addressing GBV. Contrary to expectations, perceptions of traditional institutions were similar across urban and rural areas, though rural residents reported feeling significantly safer than their urban counterparts.

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