Gender and female reproductive communication in Ugep, Nigeria

Abstract

Gender affects the communication of female reproductive matters in Ugep.

Biological and cultural determinism of gender stratification theories help

explain this sex-based interaction. The functionalists suggest that families

are organized along instrumental-expressive lines, with men specializing in

instrumental tasks and women in expressive ones. Accordingly, the study

reveals that mothers play a greater role in the communication of female

sexual and reproductive health matters. They are evaluated better

communicators, more frequent communicators and with less negative

styles of communication. This finding shows a gendered communication

structure where there exist very little discussions among fathers and

daughters. Rather than sexuality communication, fathers’ conversation is

focused on education, career aspiration, child discipline and material

provision. Mothers were thus identified as playing the major expressive

role in female communication. Gender-role attitude is therefore

significantly associated with reproductive communication in the family.

Key Words: Communication, Reproductive Health, Gender, Adolescents Girls,

Roles