E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the Predictive Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence on Psychological Distress of Selected Married Women in North East Nigeria","authors":"C. Oduaran, V. C. Onyencho","doi":"10.38159/erats.202410610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202410610","url":null,"abstract":"Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major challenge in most marriages, and women are the most affected. Available studies in sub-Saharan Africa considered associated factors in IPV and psychological distress. This study therefore explored the predictive correlates of intimate partner violence on the psychological distress of selected married women in North East Nigeria. This cross-sectional study adopted a purposive sampling technique and 397 married women were selected. The participants responded to questionnaires measuring psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire –28) and Intimate Partner Violence (HARK-4). The dimensions of IPV (Humiliation, Afraid, Rape and Kick) jointly predicted psychological distress among married women. The dimensions contributed a significant variance of 11% to the changes observed in psychological distress. Only afraid, which might be categorised as a psychological form of IPV independently predicted psychological distress. On demographical variables, educational level and marriage duration predicted psychological distress. According to the study’s findings, married women may be more susceptible to psychological distress due to their educational levels, shorter marriage duration, and fear of their partners. The results of this study should be taken into consideration when creating programs to mitigate IPV against women by relevant stakeholders.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence Dimensions, Married Women, Psychological Distress","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"19 22","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141380011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Pandemic” in a Pandemic: Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equality in Africa","authors":"Anuoluwapo Durokifa","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241066","url":null,"abstract":"Gender equality is a prevailing global discourse and is particularly critical for Africa a continent drowned in patriarchy. Attempts are continually being made especially by gender inequality-conscious leadership in Africa to adopt international policies and implement national policies to promote gender parity. While African countries attained different levels of progress towards gender parity with these policies, the coronavirus pandemic that began in 2019 introduced another dimension to the gender equality debate globally. This study using the qualitative research method through pieces of literature analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on gender equality in Africa. It explored the potential for attaining gender equality in Africa by the years 2030 and 2063, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, respectively It examined how COVID-19 exacerbated the inequalities amongst genders in comparison with the state of gender equality before COVID-19. The study further evaluated the role of COVID-19 in the state of affairs of gender roles, especially in attaining gender equality. The paper went ahead to discuss how gender equality can be improved during a crisis. The paper argued that the pandemic had magnified and exacerbated gender disparities in Africa, affecting various aspects of women’s lives. Furthermore, it was discovered that this effect has caused setbacks in the advancement towards SDGs 2030 and Agenda 2063. Issues such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and maternal mortality rates have experienced a notable increase. Therefore, in addressing these disparities, the paper recommends countries build equitable healthcare systems, create gender-disaggregated data production, implement policies to support women in the formal sector in managing remote work while balancing their domestic responsibilities and adopt gender budgeting practices.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Africa, COVID-19, Gender Equality, Patriarchy, SDGs, Women Empowerment","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"219 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141375955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral History and Conflicts in Abakaliki, Nigeria: The Role of Traditional Institutions in Achara Unuhu Izzih and Ezza Nwogharu Crisis","authors":"K. Ani","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241069","url":null,"abstract":"Inter-group relations are a popular form of relations between traditional African people and their neighbours. In Nigeria, the Achara Unuhu and Nwogharu Ezza people shared the same ancestral origin. This study used oral history and other qualitative methods to trace the nature of the conflict that manifested between the Achara Unuhu and Nwogharu Ezza people of Ebonyi State Nigeria. Data was collected through focus group discussions and interviews of randomly selected respondents. It found that the conflict led to the loss of lives and properties. This loss of lives and properties in turn led to the reactive peacebuilding action of the people using multi-track strategies to bring back peace. The study maintains that there is therefore need to sustain the peacebuilding and inter-group relation efforts of the Achara Unuhu Izzih community and Nwogharu-Ezza forefathers thereby terminating the factors that drive conflict in the two communities. This study will advance the body of knowledge in traditional peacebuilding processes in Africa.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Armed conflict, peace, inter-group relations, Achara Unuhu and Nwogharu","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"171 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141376025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Adversities of Secondary Parenting faced by the Older Persons in Alice, South Africa: Social Work implications","authors":"S. Kang’ethe","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241065","url":null,"abstract":"The phenomenon of secondary parenting, in some contexts, presents both a pernicious and a perfidious experience to older persons who should be enjoying their sunset years with some level of relief and respite. The study aimed to explore the adversities experienced by the older persons linked to Lavela Old Age Centre, in Alice South Africa. The study took the form of community engagement sessions. Data was collected from 12 older persons linked to the Centre. Findings established that secondary parenting was burdensome, exacerbated their states of poverty, and was riddled with various health deficits among the grandparents, pockets of conflicts, and care deficits of their grandchildren. The study recommended that the older persons need to be assisted to facilitate stress-free secondary parenting so that they can enjoy old age respite; the younger generation should not leave the burden of caring for their children to the older persons; and all and sundry need to recognise that the task was stressing the health and wellbeing of the older persons. Social workers are called upon to strengthen their advocacy skills imploring the societies, NGOs, and the government to increase assistance to the older persons to carry a stress-free secondary parenting and enjoy successful ageing. The study advises the younger generation not to leave their responsibilities of taking care of their children to the older persons. The study also adds literature to the domain of gerontology as well as rings the bell for policymakers to understand and address the plight of secondary parenting as an exploitative endeavour for older persons.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Sunset Years, Community Engagements, Health Deficits, Care Respite, Aging, Older Persons","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"62 s233","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141376488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using Oral History to Redress Moral Degeneration Amongst the Youth in Higher Education Institutions of South Africa","authors":"Sebea Busi Promsie, Kunene Welile Bongiwe, Maditsi Mothusiotsile Edwin","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241067","url":null,"abstract":"Africa has a rich oral history of indigenous peoples that is enshrined in their indigenous stories, folklore, myths, and legends. Indigenous elders in Africa have remained the key aspect who transmit knowledge from generation to generation by word of mouth. Moral degeneration is a problem throughout African communities generally, and South Africa particularly where there is growth in anti-social behaviour amongst the current generation. The study utilized qualitative document analysis (QDA) research methods to elucidate meaning from previously published works. The findings revealed that the youth today lack respect and morals in higher education institutions. Educators in higher education institutions are concerned over many issues that relate to the moral behaviour of the youth. Among those issues, learners are heavily affected by new concerns such as teenage pregnancy crime, suicide, alcohol, and drug abuse. Moral delinquency is at the core of their lives, and this has proven to be a serious concern. Consequently, the current education system which is devoid of indigenous knowledge fails to communicate positive morals to students leading to moral degeneration. This is proof that the facilitators in higher institutions should be equipped with skills to educate young people about morals. It is concluded that higher education institutions should be refined to respond to societal problems and challenges thereby reconstructing the morals of the youth. Without morals, the youth will have nothing and if their morals are not redressed, South Africa is likely to have immoral leaders tomorrow. This paper contributes to the area of oral history and indigenous knowledge as it advocates that oral history serves as an influential instrument for maintaining culture.\u0000\u0000 Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Indigenous Knowledge, Moral Regeneration, Indigenous Ethics, University.","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"5 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141380198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Ex-Convicts’ Age Range and Educational Status on Family Social Support in their Reintegration into the Community: Implications for Correctional Services’ Rehabilitation Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"M. L. Shammah","doi":"10.38159/erats.202410611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202410611","url":null,"abstract":"This study examined the influence of the age range and educational status of ex-convicts on family social support and their reintegration into the community. Forty (40) male ex-convicts (participants) were drawn from the Minimum Security Correctional Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. They responded to a modified version of the “Interpersonal support evaluation list: shortened version-12 items-scale (Cohen, Merstein, Kamarek & Hoberman, 1985), adopted for the study. A One-Way between group means analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine whether there were age range and educational status differences in the influence of family social support in the reintegration of the ex-convicts into the community. The results revealed that the age range has no statistical significance difference at .05 level for the three groups; F (2, 37) =2.003, P>0.05. This means ex-convicts’ age range did not influence the type of social support given to them by members of their families during their reintegration into the community. As such, the first hypothesis was not upheld. With regards to educational status, the analysis showed a statistically significant difference at .05 level for the four groups; F (3, 37) =22.38, P<0.05. This means ex-convicts’ educational status has a significant influence on the type of family social support given to them during their reintegration into the community. As such, it was concluded that ex-convicts need crime-focused rehabilitation services in addition to the basic general rehabilitation services given to inmates to enhance the various levels of social support given to ex-convicts during their reintegrated into their communities. The findings were discussed in line with existing relevant literature. In doing so, it was discovered that the findings of the research can contribute to the training of Correctional Personnel and enhance their rehabilitation programs and techniques.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Influence, Ex-convicts’ Age and Educational Variables, Family Social Support, Reintegration into the Community","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"100 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141378058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Deep Dive into Knowledge, Unveiling Perspectives of African Teenage Boys Regarding Initiation Schools","authors":"Thivhavhudzi Muriel Badugela","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241068","url":null,"abstract":"Initiation schools, integral to the fabric of indigenous South African communities, have historically served as vessels for transmitting cultural heritage. This study delved into the evolving perspectives of the youth regarding these schools, acknowledging the contemporary challenges. Utilising a qualitative, exploratory research design, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 boys residing in the Vhembe District. The aim was to delve into the nuanced knowledge held by the younger generation within this specific geographical region. This work is underpinned by the philosophical framework of Ubuntu. The findings underscored initiation schools’ essential role in imparting cultural norms, values, and standards within indigenous societies. However, a discernible decline in attendance and perceived relevance has been observed, fueled by the increasing preference for hospital circumcisions. This shift in perspective raises critical questions about the sustainability of these cultural practices in the face of modern alternatives. The study advocates for proactive measures in response to these revelations, particularly urging traditional leaders to spearhead awareness campaigns. These campaigns are envisioned as educational initiatives targeting the youth, emphasising the enduring significance of initiation schools in preserving cultural heritage. Traditional leaders can play a pivotal role in narrowing the gap between the younger generation and the profound cultural significance of initiation schools by fostering renewed understanding and appreciation for the cultural value embedded in these rites of passage. The study contributes current and relevant insights to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. The insights not only deepen our understanding of the nuances within the Vhembe District but also provide valuable information for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders seeking to address the needs and concerns of the younger generation in this region.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Initiation Schools, Cultural Heritage, Youth Perspectives, Awareness Campaign","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"110 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141377684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Two Sides of a Coin: Gender Stereotypes and Cultural Beliefs about Ageing Among the Older Persons in Lagos State, Nigeria","authors":"O. Temilola, Pfano Mashau","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241064","url":null,"abstract":"The study delved into the interplay between gender stereotypes and beliefs about ageing among the elderly population in Lagos State, Nigeria. As the global population ages, understanding the unique challenges and perspectives of older individuals is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. The research employed a qualitative research approach to provide a comprehensive analysis. The primary objective was to examine how gender stereotypes and traditional beliefs shape the experiences and perceptions of ageing among older men and women in Lagos State. The data was collected through the qualitative research technique of In-depth Interview (IDI). The findings revealed a multifaceted landscape of gender stereotypes that significantly impact the ageing process. Across both genders, pervasive stereotypes of masculinity and femininity are evident in cultural narratives and societal expectations. Men are expected to embody strength and independence, while women are often associated with caregiving roles. These stereotypes, carried over from their younger years, affect the autonomy and well-being of older individuals, especially women. In Lagos State, respect for the elderly is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric, with both men and women enjoying a revered status in their later years. However, the findings reveal that older women, due to prevailing gender stereotypes, often face more pronounced ageism, including diminished social status and limited decision-making power. The study also highlighted the adaptive strategies employed by older persons to navigate the complexities of gender stereotypes and cultural beliefs about ageing. This study contributes to the global discourse on ageing, gender, and culture, while also providing valuable insights for designing interventions that promote gender equity and healthy ageing for all.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Ageism, Cultural traditions, Gender roles, Inclusive policies, Nigeria, Older persons","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"119 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141376562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Religious Tolerance: A Panacea for Social Development in Nigeria","authors":"Akindele Iyiola Tomilayo, Olayode Kayode Adesoye, Ekanade Israel Kehinde, Pelewe Mphephu","doi":"10.38159/erats.202410612","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.202410612","url":null,"abstract":"Man is a social being whose inter and intra-personal existence cannot be extricated from cohabiting with others within the society in which he finds himself. Man’s existence starts from fostering mutual relations with members of his immediate family and groups outside his family to members of the larger society/nation he identifies with as a citizen. Therefore, his belief in any creed or faith (religion) is a sign that man’s social contact within society reflects his exemplification of God, who is a just being. This paper adopted two methodological approaches- The functionalist approach emphasizes the contributions made by each component to the total and the interdependence between society’s constituent parts. The research attested that religion is often, and rightly, seen as a semi-autonomous social space that resembles others; it is also closely related to the economic structure of society. The second approach is a sociology of religion approach, which discusses religion within the framework of a particular people group as a human and cultural phenomenon. This article mainly focused on promoting peace in Nigeria, even during the building or consolidating of democratic institutions. In theoretical explanation, therefore, this paper expounds on how it makes a big difference in a society of peace and tranquillity and the workings of the democratic institutional framework. It is hoped that the leadership of our dear nation will be directed towards attaining peace and security across diverse Nigerian ethnic races or groups in such a way that religious tolerance will not breed hatred and enmity whatsoever to all citizens. Thus, development in whatever ramification is yearned for in this democratic dispensation would not be an illusion or wishful expectation but requires acceptance of everyone from all climes of life, race, creed, or ethnicity.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Peace, Harmony, Inter-religious Relationships, Co-existence, State and Development","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"19 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141379879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Violence and the Performance of Masculinity in Dudu Busani Dube’s Hlomu the Wife and Sue Nyathi’s The Gold Diggers","authors":"Blessing Phakathi, Aghogho Akpome, Vuyiswa Ndabayakhe","doi":"10.38159/erats.20241063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20241063","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this article was to explore the critique of male chauvinism in two important recent novels authored by South African women, Hlomu the Wife by Dudu Busani-Dube and The Gold Diggers by Sue Nyathi. Using a qualitative analysis of the two novels, the study demonstrated how intimate spaces operate as potential sites of violence. The study also highlighted how the novels grapple with the symbiotic relationship between physical and/or psychological violence and the transformation of masculinities in intimate relationships. The representation of men by these women authors dramatises the extent to which intimate partner violence might be linked with the disjuncture between patriarchal cultural expectations and men’s lived experiences. This is especially so regarding the public and private performances of masculinity in ways that tend to glorify violent behaviours. Drawing on Pumla Gqola’s exploration of intimate spaces as incubators of fear as well as Robert Morrell’s notion of the ‘new man,’ the article offers valuable insights into some of the psycho-social characteristics of South Africa’s endemic crisis of violence against women.\u0000\u0000Keywords: Masculinity, Patriarchy, Gender Violence, Dudu Busani-Dube, Sue Nyathi","PeriodicalId":472882,"journal":{"name":"E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies","volume":"7 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141378530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}