rosa alamanza

According to David Gil, “Choices in social welfare policy are heavily influenced by the dominant beliefs, values, ideologies, customs, and traditions of the cultural and political elites recruited mainly from among the more powerful and privileged strata.” (Gil, 1981)

 

The day after 276 Nigerian girls were kidnapped, President Goodluck Jonathan spent the day after the kidnapping at a birthday party and a campaign rally. (Hinshaw, 2014)  “If social welfare policies are shaped by a set of social and personal values that reflect the preferences of those in decision-making capacities does this not demonstrate that those who are on the lower end of the economic totem pole will often find themselves getting the short end of the stick.” (2014) 

 

Does the fact that these girls were from a lower economic class in Nigeria's society make their plight any less of a priority.  Although women are and have been active participants in the governmental makeup of Nigeria's political system, the role and importance of women in that society is still based on how they are valued in the society.  (Nosbitt-Ahmed, 2011)

 

In Nigeria, social welfare issues related to the welfare of women has not always been a top priority in the government. The age of marriage consent in Nigeria is sixteen however the practice of child bride marriages still continues to be a part of the society, often times the opinion of the bride is not taken into consideration. (Online Nigeria, 2014)

 

The picture becomes even more dismal for women in rural areas of the country. In those areas social welfare policy is governed and implemented by a kinship system of social welfare.  In many religious communities the social welfare of its members are determined by the decisions of the religious tenets of Sharia, or religious Clerics.

 

If social welfare policies tend to favor those in more powerful and privileged positions in the society, what will be the consequence of the less fortunate?  Should a person's privilege position in life afford them more benefits and opportunities simply because of the value placed on their worth in society?

 

Will the fate of 276 Nigerian school girls be determined by their worth in society or will it be determined by a social welfare policy that seeks justice for all its citizens be they male or female?

 

(2014, 5 24). Retrieved from www.pearsonhighered.com/samplechapter/0205627080.pdf

Gil, D. (1981). Unraveling Social Policy. Boston: Shenkman.

Hinshaw, D. (2014, May 9). Wall Street Journal - World. Retrieved from WSJ: www.blogs.wsj.com

Nosbitt-Ahmed, Z. (2011, October 14). Gender Across Borders - A global Voice. Retrieved from Gender Across Borders: www.genderacrossborders.comOnline Nigeria. (2014, May 24). Retrieved from Online Nigeria: www.onlinenigeria.com