GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF A PUBLIC FACILITY: A MOTOR PARK EXPERIENCE IN EASTERN NIGERIA

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF A PUBLIC FACILITY: A MOTOR PARK EXPERIENCE IN EASTERN NIGERIA

BACKGROUND:

Observational studies involve the systematic detailed observation of behaviour and talk: watching and recording what people do and say (Mays and Pope, 1995a). In order to do this, Goffman, cited in Mays & Pope (1995a) asserted that one would "submit oneself in the company of the members, to the daily round of petty contingencies to which they are subject".

While there is paucity of data and researches on the gender difference in the use of a public place, this paper intends to explore the chances of these differences with a view of identifying them, using qualitative methods (Pope & Mays, 1995). It draws its advantage from the fact that observational studies take place in natural settings; while the participant can take a wide range of positions: from observer, participant-observer, and observer-participant to participant (Mays & Pope, 1995a; Mays & Pope, 1995b; Savage, 2000; Green & Thorogood, 2004). These positions are however very flexible, allowing the researcher move between the roles in the course of the research.

INTRODUCTION:

"Gender is the sum of cultural values, attitudes, roles, practices, and characteristics based on sex" (PAHO/WHO, 2000). Gender, as it has existed historically, cross-culturally, and in contemporary societies, reflects and perpetuates particular power relations between men and women.

Gender identity defines the degree to which each person identifies as male, female, or some combination. It is the internal framework, constructed over time, which enables an individual to organize a self-concept and to perform socially in regards to his/her perceived sex and gender. It is a determinant of the way individuals experience their gender and contributes to an individual's sense of sameness, uniqueness and belonging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The suitability of the motor park for this study was largely drawn from the knowledge that the facility is used by both the male and female gender. Secondly, a recent travel and the long wait in the motor park afforded an ample time for a detailed observational method. Harping on the fact that it was a weekend period when most people travel, it provided an opportunity for observing more people.

In an attempt to minimize the impact on the environment being studied, I chose to adopt a "participant-observer" role. This enabled me to become involved in the activities taking place while also observing them (Mays & Pope, 1995a; Green & Thorogood, 2005). By playing the role of a participant-observer, I was able to see things from my fellow commuters' perspective and understand the circumstances we were in.

The degree of immersion was well defined as well the depth, my entry and exit points and the duration of the research.Interaction with some commuters enabled issues to be well studied in a broader sense.

FINDINGS:

The following were noted:

The motor park was used by both male and female commuters. A rough count showed a male to female ratio of 1: 1.4

The female commuters were mostly traders who travel to the riverine areas to purchase sea foods (fishes, prawn, crayfish, snails, etc). They were also observed to have come in clusters of their cooperative societies, while the males were mostly civil servants on official assignments or tourism.

While the females carried big loads, bags and baggage which occupied spaces in the park and the buses, the males had their small briefcases and travelling bags

At the waiting lounge, the commuters sat in clusters engaged in different activities alongside their gender orientations- while the males had their attention glued to the television, draught boards, drinking and smoking, reading newspapers and discussing political issues and football; Clusters of women discussed inflation rate in the market, fallen profits, fashion, relationships, sexual behaviours and family issues

The females were more disposed to pick up quarrel with the park-operators over the transportation cost and altered sitting arrangement in the bus than the males.

The female motor park workers were more diligent with, and focused on, their work than their male counterparts who were easily distracted by events and discussions around them.

LIMITATIONS:

The time the observation lasted limited the degree of immersion and the depth of the research. The park itself is a transit stage- that where people congregate and leave within a small space of time. The fact that many activities were taking place at the same time placed a burden on the researcher who may be unable to observe and record all events. The ethical consideration of informed consent, right to privacy, confidentiality and anonymity were not paid attention to.

Covert observations usually raise ethical questions (Mays & Pope, 1995a; Shamoo & Dunigan, 2000). Nonetheless, it can be used to research sensitive topics. Green and Thorogood (2004) identified four main ethical principles: Autonomy (respecting the rights of the individual (Craig D, Davis M (2005); beneficence (doing well); non-malfeasance (not doing harm) and justice (particularly, justice and equity

CONCLUSION:

Given the same scenario in the same place and at same time gender differences in behaviour, perception and reaction are usually manifested alongside peoples' sexes with most members of a particular sexual orientation exhibiting similar characters, reactions and perceptions despite their individual differences.

Reference:

Craig D, Davis M (2005) Ethical Relationship for Biodiversity Research and Benefit-Sharing with Indigenous People. Macquare Jol of International Comparative Environ. Law. 2: 31-73

Green J, Thorogood N (2004) Observational methods. In: Qualitative Methods for Health Research Sage, London

Mays N, Pope C (1995a).Observational methods in health care settings, BMJ, 311: 182-184.

Mays N, Pope C (1995b).Qualitative Research: Rigour and qualitative research. BMJ, 311: 109-112.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization (WHO) (2000) Proceedings of a Regional Consultation convened by in collaboration with the World Association for Sexology (WAS). Guatemala. May 19-22, 2000.

Pope C, Mays N (1995)Qualitative Research: Reaching the parts other methods cannot reach: an introduction to qualitative methods in health and health services research. BMJ. 311:42-45.

Savage J. (2000) Ethnography and health care. BMJ, 321:1400-1402.

Shamoo AE, Dunigan CD (2000). Ethics in Research. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 222(4):205-210.

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