Significance of Gender Differences on Housing in Nigeria: a Case Study of Osun State University Osogbo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/sh.v15n2.2006Keywords:
Gender identity, housing design, gender roles, gender equity, housing attributes, sustainable development, Nigeria.Abstract
In many cases, housing designs are gendered in tune with societal expectations from both sexes. However, existing research shows that gender transcends mere classifications into male and female. Based on the nexus between gender and housing, a clear contextual understanding of the dynamics is vital to housing policies and design. This study, therefore, examines gender-based responses to housing attributes by deconstructing gender into the degree of masculinity or femininity rather than just being male or female. Upon a successful pilot study, questionnaire-based primary data were obtained by multi-stage sampling technique from 222 staff members of Osun State University Osogbo. Secondary data were obtained from the Academic Planning Unit of the University. Data obtained were descriptively analysed. Findings show similarities and differences based on gender (male/female) and gender identity. Gender similarities and differences were found in the importance of housing attributes, the perceived impact of housing attributes on domestic tasks, and the desirability of housing attributes. Results also show that respondents with Feminine Female (FF) gender identity placed high importance on housing attributes required to support frequently performed domestic tasks. In addition, only FF considered the availability of neighbourhood markets and schools (D= 0.02) highly impactful on household tasks. The study concluded that responses to housing attributes are gendered with variations concerning gender, gender identity and gender roles. It further established a relationship between responses to housing attributes and the domestic gender roles of respondents in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends adequate attention to gender in housing design, policy and process.
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