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Shattering the ceiling: exploring culture and religion's impact on female empowerment in the Nigerian hospitality industry
Ukachukwu, Amarachukwu
Ukachukwu, Amarachukwu
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2024-02-26
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Abstract
Purpose This study addresses the persistent impact of patriarchal societal structures on women's empowerment in Nigeria, where social power, political authority, and autonomy continue to elude them. Despite advancements made by women in workplaces worldwide, gender inequalities prevail, particularly in the Nigerian hotel industry. Existing qualitative evidence on the intersection of gender, culture, and religion in shaping gender diversity and career progression within this industry remains limited. To address this gap, this study employs intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks to explore the influence of local cultures, religion, and gender practices on gender imbalances in three distinct cultural settings in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from in-depth interviews with thirty-eight hotel workers, this research provides original insights into their lived experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the narratives underlying gender inequality statistics. By delving beyond surface-level observations, this study uncovers the multifaceted dynamics that perpetuate gender imbalances. By examining the interplay between gender, culture, and religion, this research contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the factors that shape career trajectories in the Nigerian hotel industry. Findings The findings of this study reveal the enduring influence of patriarchal societal structures, highlighting the challenges faced by women in accessing social power, political authority, and autonomy. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity approaches, this research unveils the intricate stories that illustrate the underlying complexities of gender imbalances. In doing so, it fills critical gaps in the qualitative evidence surrounding gender diversity and career progression in the Nigerian hotel industry. Originality This study is original in its comprehensive examination of the intersection of gender, culture, and religion in the Nigerian hotel industry. It offers unique insights by conducting indepth interviews with thirty-eight hotel workers, unravelling the underlying factors contributing to gender imbalances. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks, it provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and highlights the need for tailored interventions to promote gender equality.
Citation
Ukachukwu, A. and Rahimi, R. (2024) Shattering the ceiling: exploring culture and religion’s impact on female empowerment in the Nigerian hospitality industry. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 7(5), pp. 3110-3127. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-05-2023-0349
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Journal article
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en
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This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights on 26 February 2024, available online: https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/2514-9792 The accepted mansucript may difer from the final published version.
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2514-9792