Mbari and uncle Nicodemus: Male representations in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the various labels ascribed to males in the heterosexual discourse among female undergraduates in Nigeria. Insights from Community of Practice and Sexual Script Theory were used to demonstrate the use of situated linguistic choices to establish the differentials in male sexual behaviours. Data for the study were generated through participant observation and unstructured interviews with the aid of audiotape recordings and field notes. The study involves a representative sample of 22 female undergraduates who served as participants and research assistants. The findings reveal that situated language practices stimulate heterosexual discourses where female undergraduates creatively ascribe labels to the different males’ sexual scripts. The labels include those related to male sexual performance, body size and size of sex organs, financial and marital status, familial and gatekeeping roles, and other routine sexual behaviours shown by men in sexual phases such as advances, arousal and intercourse. The scripts are also combined to re-enact the peculiar sexual narratives by the female students that show emerging sexual orientations. It is believed that the categorisation of such males’ sexual behaviours in the University social contexts, would provide a basis for comparison with the sexual practices of other young adults’ social groups across the globe.

LAY SUMMARY

The paper discusses the various strands of sexual scripts shown by men in their heterosexual relationships with female undergraduates in a Nigerian University. The students ascribed labels based on the sexual performance, economic and marital status, and other routine behaviours that have an impact on the male sexual lifestyle.

Keywords:

• Sexual labels
• heterosexual discourse
• female undergraduates
• male sexual partners
• Nigeria

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

God’sgift Ogban Uwen

Dr God’sgift Ogban Uwen is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Calabar, Nigeria. His research interest include: Sociolinguistics, Semiotics and Pragmatics, and he reviews for Scopus indexed journals. He is a member of revered academic and professional associations and has published in reputable journals including Journal of Language, Identity & Education, European Journal of Humour Research, International Journal of Language Education, Language Matters, International Journal of Multilingualism, Forum for Linguistics Studies, and Environment and Social Psychology, among others.