Examining Socio-Spatial Effects of Capitalist Accumulation on Gender, Class, Ethnicity in Aruogba Community, Edo State, Nigeria.
This study examines the socio-spatial effects of capitalist accumulation on gender, class, and ethnicity in Aruogba community, Edo State, Nigeria. Drawing on David Harvey’s theory of uneven geographical development, the research explores how capitalist processes reshape access to resources, land, and labor within the community. The theory helps explain how capitalism concentrates wealth and opportunities in certain spaces while marginalizing others, deepening socio-economic divides along gender, class, and ethnic lines. Using a qualitative approach, the study employed in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to capture the lived experiences of community members. The findings reveal that capitalist-driven developments, such as land commercialization and urban expansion, disproportionately affect women, ethnic minorities, and lower-income groups, restricting their access to land and economic opportunities. Men and wealthier individuals tend to benefit more, worsening existing inequalities. The research concludes that capitalist accumulation deepens socio-spatial inequalities in Aruogba, reinforcing patterns of exclusion based on gender, class, and ethnicity. These dynamics weaken social cohesion and limit the socio-economic mobility of marginalized groups. To alleviate these effects, it is recommended that local authorities adopt policies that promote equitable land distribution, inclusive economic opportunities, and gender-sensitive planning. Empowering women and ethnic minorities through education, legal land rights, and access to financial resources could help balance the uneven impacts of capitalist accumulation. Furthermore, fostering community participation in development planning would ensure that marginalized voices are heard and their needs addressed.