Moral Expectations, Social Control, and Gender Double Standards in Hausa Society

Abstract

This qualitative study uses interviews, focus groups and document analysis to examine how cultural norms, religion and social institutions in Hausa society, Northern Nigeria, perpetuate gender double standards. Women face stricter expectations around sexuality, modesty and conduct while men enjoy greater latitude; these standards are reinforced through parental control and religious teachings and internalised as difficult-to-challenge norms. The paper concludes that although education and online communication are gradually shifting attitudes, deliberate policy reform and social change are needed to dismantle entrenched inequalities.