INFLUENCE OF SOCIOCULTURAL VALUES ON GENDER ROLE EXPECTATION AMONG YOUTH IN IBADAN METROPOLIS OYO STATE NIGERIA

This study examined the influence of cultural practices and traditional values on gender role expectations among youths in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the growing tension between entrenched sociocultural norms and emerging modern influences shaping youth perceptions of gender roles in urban Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample size of 384 determined using Fisher’s formula; however, 287 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that traditional cultural practices remain highly prevalent among youths (M = 4.15, SD = 0.58), with a one-sample t-test indicating a statistically significant level of engagement above neutrality, t(286) = 33.57, p < .001, confirming that youths actively participate in cultural activities. Similarly, respondents showed strong endorsement of traditional values (M = 3.82, SD = 0.67). Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between traditional practices and traditional values (r = .60, p < .001), traditional practices and gender role expectations (r = .45, p < .001), and traditional values and gender role expectations (r = .50, p < .001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that traditional practices (β = .28, p < .001) and traditional values (β = .35, p < .001) were significant predictors of gender role expectations, jointly explaining 35% of the variance (R² = .35, F = 30.27, p < .001). In contrast, education level showed a significant negative relationship (β = −.12, p = .001), indicating that higher education is associated with less rigid gender role beliefs, while age and gender were not significant predictors (p > .05). The study concludes that gender role expectations among youths in Ibadan are strongly shaped by sociocultural factors, particularly traditional practices and values, although education serves as a moderating influence toward more egalitarian perspectives. It is recommended that culturally sensitive interventions, educational reforms, and community-based advocacy be implemented to promote gender equity while respecting indigenous values. Keywords: Gender role expectations, cultural practices, traditional values, gender equality. Word Count: 330