Gender representation and multi-partner fertility: A social constructivist view of 'A tribe called Judah'

In international relations, films have become mirrors through which we view the world and examine social narratives or phenomena in the global arena. While polygamy and polyandry are common in some parts of Africa, Multi-Partner Fertility (MPF) was linked to widowhood and remarriage; the practice of unmarried females having children by different men was uncommon and frowned upon. Nigeria ranks 11th position among countries with the highest adolescent pregnancy globally. The economic, security, health and social hazards of MPF raise concern for Nigeria's rising youth population. Consequently, this study examines the nexus between adolescent pregnancy and female multipartner fertility in Nigeria. It interrogates how 'A Tribe Called Judah' depicts the concept of female multi-partner fertility from a global perspective. The exploratory research method and social constructivist theory of international relations were adopted. The findings reveal that the mismanagement of adolescent pregnancy, early sexual debut and societal norms further female multi-partner fertility by placing socio-cultural and religious perception above the needs of teenage mothers, thereby catalysing broader societal problems like crime, family disintegration, alcoholism and depression. The study recommends that international organisations like UNFPA, WHO, and UNICEF place emphasis on postnatal counselling for unplanned teen pregnancies at first birth and extend sexual reproductive health education to religious centres and middle-income areas using the most relatable medium.