Infertility in Nigeria as portrayed in movies: the role of cultural beliefs and societal attitudes

Infertility remains a contentious cultural and social issue in Nigeria, where reproductive competence for women is still entangled with femininity as well as acceptability in society. This study examined the effects of cultural beliefs, societal expectations, and gender in Nigerian (Nollywood) films portraying infertility, with special reference to stigma, psychological distress, and their effects. Results show that the films predominantly portray infertility as a problem of women, with portrayals being strongly influenced by societal expectations regarding motherhood. Female characters are frequently shown as emotionally distressed, facing social exclusion, and enduring intense pressure from their families and communities to meet dominant reproductive expectations. Films also display a negative attitude towards the use of assisted reproduction technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation and surrogacy. These representations reflect current gendered realities and reinforce the operation of patriarchy as a system of power that maintains male dominance and female subordination. From a sociocultural and feminist perspective, the study points to the need for future Nollywood narratives to move beyond these complex and often limiting representations towards more equitable portrayals of gender and power.