The Impact of Indirect Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising on the Physician-Patient Relationship Quality

Abstract

The problem of gender disparity persists in Nigeria despite international treaties, conventions and the 1999 Constitution. Research shows that Nigeria’s plural legal system stifles the advancement of women’s rights by creating loopholes for patriarchal customary laws to thrive. This is especially the case in South-East Nigeria, where culture assigns an inferior status to women. Although the Constitution and international treaties provide for equality irrespective of gender, the uncertain place of customary law in the legal system render these provisions unrealisable. Using examples from marriage and succession, this paper examines the implications of the disconnection between law and practice in the context of women’s rights in South-East Nigeria. It argues that this disconnection has serious implications for legal pluralism and the effectiveness of development projects. It reveals the consequences of this disconnection on constitutional legitimacy and policy development in Nigeria.

Keywords: Legal pluralism, gender inequality, male primogeniture, customary law