NOLLYWOOD FILMS: A VERITABLE MEDIUM FOR COMMUNICATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN SOCIETAL GENDER VALUES.

ABSTRACT

This dissertation explores Nollywood films as a veritable medium for communicating positive change in gender perceptions and values. The objective is to identify the ways and means through which films can enhance positive change in the Nigerian society. The investigation was conducted within Benin City in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study is underpinned on the Ashly Crossman’s Feminist Theory and Norlock Feminist Ethics Theory as theoretical framework. The investigation is designed along the content and descriptive analysis methodology. The questionnaire is adopted as instrumental for data collection. Data is content analyzed and descriptive statistics used to present them in simple percentages within tables. Findings reveal that a majority of 51% respondents strongly agree that Nollywood films promoting positive change in societal values are desirable. Another 49% agree. Closely allied to this, 42% respondents strongly agree that the case study films advocate positive change in societal norms and values; while 38% agree. Furthermore, 36% respondents strongly agree and 44% agree that some of the films constitute advocacy for girl child rights. A combined 60% respondents agree that the films campaign against domestic violence. Finally, the key forms of value change communicated in the selected Nollywood case study films are germane for communicating positive change in societal values. This research contributes to knowledge in that it sets out to probe, display and critically examine, through the Nollywood filmic medium, the representation of Nigerian women and the girl child and the grave issues that surround their lives which previous research had silently omitted.