Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Cinema has long been a powerful tool for social change, shaping public opinion and influencing the values, attitudes, and behaviors of audiences. In Minna Local Government Area, Niger State, cinema plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents, who make up a large proportion of the population. The content provided by films has the potential to either reinforce or challenge societal norms, particularly in areas such as education, gender equality, health, and social justice. Cinema, through its various genres, acts as a mirror to society, presenting both fictional and real-life issues in ways that resonate with viewers (Ahmed & Lawal, 2023). For adolescents, films provide a unique platform for engagement, offering models of behavior, lifestyle choices, and social interaction. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the role of cinema in promoting social change, particularly with regard to influencing adolescents’ views on important issues such as teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and environmental sustainability. This study aims to explore how cinema is used as a tool for promoting social change among adolescents in Minna, examining both the positive and negative impacts that films have on their perceptions and behaviors. The research will also assess the potential of cinema as an educational tool that can facilitate dialogue on critical social issues.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Adolescents in Minna Local Government Area, like their counterparts in other parts of Nigeria, are exposed to a wide range of media content, including films that portray various aspects of society, both positive and negative. While cinema has the potential to promote positive social change, there is limited research on how it influences adolescents in this region. Some studies suggest that cinema can be a powerful tool for promoting social change, while others highlight concerns about its potential to reinforce harmful stereotypes or behaviors (Aliyu, 2024). In Minna, many adolescents are regularly exposed to cinema, but it is unclear how films are affecting their perceptions of social issues and whether they are actively engaging with the content in a way that leads to positive social change. The problem lies in understanding the role that cinema plays in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of adolescents in Minna, particularly in relation to issues such as health, education, and gender equality. This study seeks to address this gap by examining how cinema is used to promote social change and whether adolescents in Minna are influenced by the messages conveyed through films.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To assess the role of cinema in promoting social change among adolescents in Minna Local Government Area.
To evaluate how cinema influences adolescents’ perceptions of social issues such as gender equality, health, and education.
To explore the potential of cinema as an educational tool for promoting social change among adolescents in Minna.
1.4 Research Questions
How does cinema promote social change among adolescents in Minna Local Government Area?
What social issues are most prominently addressed in films viewed by adolescents in Minna?
How do adolescents in Minna engage with cinema as an educational tool for social change?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Cinema plays a significant role in promoting social change among adolescents in Minna Local Government Area.
Adolescents in Minna are influenced by cinema in their perceptions of social issues, such as gender equality and health.
Cinema is an effective educational tool for promoting social change among adolescents in Minna Local Government Area.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it will provide insights into the role of cinema in shaping the values and behaviors of adolescents in Minna. By exploring the ways in which films promote social change, the research will contribute to a better understanding of how cinema can be utilized to address critical social issues such as gender equality, health education, and environmental sustainability. The findings will be valuable to educators, policymakers, and filmmakers who are interested in using cinema as a tool for social change and education. Furthermore, the study will contribute to the ongoing discourse on the social responsibility of the film industry and its potential to positively influence youth culture.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on adolescents in Minna Local Government Area, Niger State, examining their consumption of cinema and the impact of films on their perceptions of social issues. The scope will be limited to the consumption of local and international films and their effects on social behavior. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data from adolescents and the challenge of measuring the long-term impact of films on behavior.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Cinema: The medium of motion pictures, including films, movies, and documentaries, shown in theaters or other venues for entertainment or educational purposes.
Social Change: The transformation of cultural, social, and economic institutions and behaviors, particularly in relation to issues like gender equality, education, and health.
Adolescents: Young individuals between the ages of 12 and 19, typically in the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood.
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