Abstract

This study explores the representation of infertility in Nigerian movies to examine whether these illustrations perpetuate stereotypes about those living with the condition. Through qualitative analysis of 10 movies, I investigated narratives on the causes of infertility, the societal implications of the condition, and how the titles of these movies are framed. My analysis unveiled four things. The first suggests a complex interplay between medicalized and culture-centric discourses, where the most cited causes of infertility are witchcraft, evil spirits, curses, supernatural powers, and promiscuity. The second revealed pejorative labels like barren and man to refer to infertile women. The third portrays how childless people suffer from emotional distress, isolation, and abuse in their marital homes and society. The fourth illustrates how the titles of these movies mask the contents of the movies, whereas others present infertility as a woman’s problem. This study underscores the need for a more nuanced depiction of the condition that acknowledges the medical dimension of the condition to create awareness of the condition. The study also highlights the need to promote empowering discourse on infertile people in movie storylines to recognize their resilience and accomplishments.           

Key Words: Media Framing, Media Representation, Infertility, Barrenness, Sterility

About the Author

* Freda Akosua Lekey, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Salisbury University, Maryland, USA. My research interest revolves around the discursive organization and performance of health in media spaces and culturally specific sites.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 17, No. 1, April 2025, pp. 27-36.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Lekey, F. A. (2025). Portrayal and framing of infertility in Nigerian movies. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 17 (1): 27-36.

Full Article

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Pages: 10

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