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FEAR OF CRIME AND ELECTORAL VIOLENCE: MAINSTREAMING GENDER

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The issue of electoral violence is a significant concern in many regions, often exacerbating social tensions and threatening democratic processes. Concurrently, fear of crime among citizens, particularly concerning electoral events, can profoundly impact voter turnout and political participation. Understanding these dynamics through a gendered lens is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate violence and enhance electoral integrity.

 Sexism has become a major problematique in Nigerian politics. Women have been politically considered an endangered species, and their low participation in Nigerian government and politics is often associated with cultural, religious and economic constraints, and male chauvinism. Economically, some feminists perceive women’s marginality in the conduct and management of public affairs as arising from their entrenchment to the globalized capitalist relation of production. A relation, which ensures that majority of Nigerian women are peasants and housewives. Nonetheless feminists have failed to fundamentally unravel in their explanatory analysis, the feminine gender self-immolatory attitudes. Feminine gender – self – destructive factor in the decline of women participation in government affairs is often carpeted in sexist analysis. For instance, women account for sixty percent of Nigeria’s population and by implication, half of the nation’s electorates. This electoral power has not been converted to an assertive feminine electoral and political advantage over the years, and particularly in the 2003 elections. Besides, the female population seems not to know what it desires in terms of elective positions at all levels. Women seem to be lacking in confidence and courage that competitive politics demands, and therefore, comfortable with playing a second fiddle rather than assuming the front-role leadership. In addition to the complex factor, gender mainstreaming through the First Lady’s office had over the years only been promotive of the privatized economic interests of the First Ladies. Utilizing a field survey, the basic concern of this paper is therefore to examine the self-defeatist behavioural manifestations of the Nigerian womenfolk. The paper believes that Nigerian women are largely unconscious of sexism in the contemporary world as a class struggle in non-production relational terms.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite efforts to promote peaceful elections, instances of electoral violence persist, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups. Fear of crime further complicates this landscape, influencing voter behavior and societal trust in electoral processes. The intersection of fear of crime and electoral violence with gender dynamics remains underexplored, warranting comprehensive investigation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between fear of crime and electoral violence with a focus on gender mainstreaming. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of fear of crime on electoral participation among different genders.

ii. To determine the factors contributing to the prevalence of electoral violence, with attention to gender-specific experiences.

iii. To find out how gender-sensitive approaches can mitigate fear of crime and reduce instances of electoral violence.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the influence of fear of crime on electoral participation among male and female voters?

ii. What are the gender-specific factors that contribute to the occurrence of electoral violence?

iii. How does gender-sensitive planning and interventions help in reducing fear of crime and electoral violence?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by shedding light on the gendered dimensions of fear of crime and electoral violence. By identifying specific challenges faced by different genders and proposing gender-sensitive solutions, it seeks to inform policymakers, electoral bodies, and civil society organizations aiming to promote fair and peaceful elections.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will focus primarily on electoral contexts within [specific geographical area or country], examining data from recent electoral cycles. It will involve qualitative and quantitative analysis of fear of crime perceptions, electoral violence incidents, and gender-specific experiences during electoral processes.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

While efforts will be made to gather comprehensive data, limitations may include constraints in accessing sensitive information related to electoral violence and variations in fear of crime perceptions across different demographic groups.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Fear of crime: The perceived threat or anxiety individuals experience regarding potential criminal activities.

Electoral violence: Acts of violence, intimidation, or coercion occurring before, during, or after electoral processes.

Gender mainstreaming: The process of integrating gender perspectives in policies, programs, and activities to promote gender equality and empower all genders.

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